Alejandro Cardona reaffirmed his position as the #1 player on the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) Sunday by winning the WRT West Coast Championships in Concord, California. Cardona defeated Alejandro Landa, 15-10, 15-10, in the final.
Landa had a second chance at a title, as he and Felipe Camacho were in the WRT Doubles final, but they lost to Rodrigo Montoya and Andree Parrilla, 15-10, 15-11. Montoya and Parrilla were generally in control throughout the match. One of their strategies was to have Montoya lob serve into the middle, slightly over to Camacho, playing the right side, so Camacho returned most of those serves. it was an effective strategy, and their cause was helped by Parrilla’s hot shooting, who didn’t miss many shots.
Over the last eight WRT events six different players have won. Cardona is one of the two double winners over that span (Rodrigo Montoya is the other).
The next WRT event is the Mt Rainier Open in Seattle, Washington, February 17-19.
2017 WRT West Coast Championship, January 27-29
Concord, California
Singles - Final
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 10) Alejandro Landa, 15-10, 15-10
Doubles - Semi-finals
9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa d. 4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores, 15-13, 15-11
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla d. 6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas, 15-8, 12-15, 11-6
Doubles - Final
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla d. 9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa, 15-10, 15-11
Follow the bouncing ball….
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Cardona & Landa to meet in final of 2017 WRT West Coast Championships
Alejandro Cardona, the #1 player on the World Racquetball Tour (WRT), has reached the final of the WRT West Coast Championships in Concord, California. Cardona got there by defeating Rodrigo Montoya, 15-13, 15-11, which denied Montoya the opportunity of winning back to back WRT events. Montoya won the Longhorn Open in Austin, Texas earlier this month.
In game one, it looked like it would be Montoya who was going to advance to the final, as he he held a 9-2 lead on Cardona. However, Cardona chipped away at that lead, and drew level with Montoya at 10-10. They again tied at 11-11, when Montoya took a timeout. That proved effective, as he scored two points afterwards to lead 13-11.
But Cardona held Montoya to 13, and proceeded to score four unanswered points. The game winner was an ace drive serve to the right side (Montoya’s forehand), although because the players had difficulty hearing the referee during the match, neither knew it was the 15th point.
Alejandro Landa will be Cardona’s opponent in the final, as Landa beat WRT #3 Andree Parrilla, 15-6, 15-13 in the other semi-final. In that match, Landa was in control throughout game one, but in game two Parrilla led early. However, Landa caught him at 8-8, and went ahead 9-8.
Parrilla called a timeout, but Landa continued to score, reaching match point at 14-11. Parrilla got the serve back with a winning backhand service return, and he scored two points, but then Landa regained the serve. A broken ball denied Landa the match on the next rally, but on the first rally with a new ball, Landa hit a forehand wide angle pass to the right side from center court that was out of Parrilla’s reach.
Cardona has winning records against all other WRT players, except two: Landa and Polo Gutierrez. Landa has beaten Cardona in two of their three WRT matches. They split matches back in 2013, and Landa won their most recent match in the final of last year’s Alamo City Open in San Antonio, where Landa won in two straight games.
The doubles semi-finals were scheduled for Saturday evening, but they have been pushed back to Sunday due to the length of the singles matches.
The singles final is Sunday at noon PST from Concord with the doubles final to follow, and you can watch both live via the WRT website.
2017 WRT West Coast Championship, January 27-29
Concord, California
Singles - Semi-finals Saturday
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 5) Rodrigo Montoya, 15-13, 15-11
10) Alejandro Landa d. 3) Andree Parrilla, 15-6, 15-13
Singles - Final Sunday
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 10) Alejandro Landa - Noon
Doubles - Semi-finals Sunday
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores v. 9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas
Follow the bouncing ball….
In game one, it looked like it would be Montoya who was going to advance to the final, as he he held a 9-2 lead on Cardona. However, Cardona chipped away at that lead, and drew level with Montoya at 10-10. They again tied at 11-11, when Montoya took a timeout. That proved effective, as he scored two points afterwards to lead 13-11.
But Cardona held Montoya to 13, and proceeded to score four unanswered points. The game winner was an ace drive serve to the right side (Montoya’s forehand), although because the players had difficulty hearing the referee during the match, neither knew it was the 15th point.
Alejandro Landa will be Cardona’s opponent in the final, as Landa beat WRT #3 Andree Parrilla, 15-6, 15-13 in the other semi-final. In that match, Landa was in control throughout game one, but in game two Parrilla led early. However, Landa caught him at 8-8, and went ahead 9-8.
Parrilla called a timeout, but Landa continued to score, reaching match point at 14-11. Parrilla got the serve back with a winning backhand service return, and he scored two points, but then Landa regained the serve. A broken ball denied Landa the match on the next rally, but on the first rally with a new ball, Landa hit a forehand wide angle pass to the right side from center court that was out of Parrilla’s reach.
Cardona has winning records against all other WRT players, except two: Landa and Polo Gutierrez. Landa has beaten Cardona in two of their three WRT matches. They split matches back in 2013, and Landa won their most recent match in the final of last year’s Alamo City Open in San Antonio, where Landa won in two straight games.
The doubles semi-finals were scheduled for Saturday evening, but they have been pushed back to Sunday due to the length of the singles matches.
The singles final is Sunday at noon PST from Concord with the doubles final to follow, and you can watch both live via the WRT website.
2017 WRT West Coast Championship, January 27-29
Concord, California
Singles - Semi-finals Saturday
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 5) Rodrigo Montoya, 15-13, 15-11
10) Alejandro Landa d. 3) Andree Parrilla, 15-6, 15-13
Singles - Final Sunday
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 10) Alejandro Landa - Noon
Doubles - Semi-finals Sunday
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores v. 9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas
Follow the bouncing ball….
2017 WRT West Coast Championships - Quarterfinals
Two tie-breakers in the quarterfinals of the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) West Coast Championships in Concord, California. Alejandro Landa, one of the winningest players in the short history of the WRT, knocked off 2nd seed David Horn, 12-15, 15-12, 11-3, and in the semi-finals he’ll play Andree Parrilla, who won the other three game match by defeating Miguel Rodriguez, Jr., 15-13, 8-15, 11-5.
In what we would have thought would be a close match, Rodrigo Montoya defeated Jose Diaz in two straight games by comfortable margins, 15-16, 15-5. Although the scores weren’t close, it wasn’t a quick match. For example, in game two 38 rallies had them at only 7-5 in Montoya’s favor. Unfortunately for Diaz, he didn’t score any more points from there, as Montoya went on to win in two straight games.
Cardona, the WRT’s #1 player, had a relatively comfortable game against Christian Longoria in game one, winning 15-5, but in game two Longoria had the mid-game lead at 9-6. However, Cardona came back to reach match point at 14-11 with a drive serve ace to the left side (Longoria’s backhand). But at that point, Cardona made an unforced error by skipping a forehand pinch shot.
Longoria took advantage of that error to score two more points, one from another skip by Cardona, which made the score 14-13. Cardona called a timeout, and got the serve back when play resumed. However, Longoria again fought off match point with a forehand touch shot. He tied the game 14-14 with a backhand, but with the opportunity to force a tie-breaker Longoria tried to hit a forehand pinch shot from deep, and the ball went into the floor. On his 3rd match point chance, Cardona made no mistake, as he hit a forehand kill shot that ended the game and match.
The singles semi-finals begin Saturday afternoon at 3 PM PST from Concord, and you can watch the action live via the WRT website. The singles final will be noon PST Sunday with the doubles final to follow.
2017 WRT West Coast Championship, January 27-29
Concord, California
Singles - Quarterfinals Saturday
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 8) Christian Longoria, 15-5, 15-14
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 13) Jose Diaz, 15-6, 15-5
3) Andree Parrilla d. 11) Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 15-13, 8-15, 11-5
10) Alejandro Landa d. 2) David Horn, 12-15, 15-12, 11-3
Singles - Semi-finals Saturday
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 5) Rodrigo Montoya - 4 PM
3) Andree Parrilla v. 10) Alejandro Landa - 3 PM
Doubles - Semi-finals Saturday
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores v. 9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas
Follow the bouncing ball….
In what we would have thought would be a close match, Rodrigo Montoya defeated Jose Diaz in two straight games by comfortable margins, 15-16, 15-5. Although the scores weren’t close, it wasn’t a quick match. For example, in game two 38 rallies had them at only 7-5 in Montoya’s favor. Unfortunately for Diaz, he didn’t score any more points from there, as Montoya went on to win in two straight games.
Cardona, the WRT’s #1 player, had a relatively comfortable game against Christian Longoria in game one, winning 15-5, but in game two Longoria had the mid-game lead at 9-6. However, Cardona came back to reach match point at 14-11 with a drive serve ace to the left side (Longoria’s backhand). But at that point, Cardona made an unforced error by skipping a forehand pinch shot.
Longoria took advantage of that error to score two more points, one from another skip by Cardona, which made the score 14-13. Cardona called a timeout, and got the serve back when play resumed. However, Longoria again fought off match point with a forehand touch shot. He tied the game 14-14 with a backhand, but with the opportunity to force a tie-breaker Longoria tried to hit a forehand pinch shot from deep, and the ball went into the floor. On his 3rd match point chance, Cardona made no mistake, as he hit a forehand kill shot that ended the game and match.
The singles semi-finals begin Saturday afternoon at 3 PM PST from Concord, and you can watch the action live via the WRT website. The singles final will be noon PST Sunday with the doubles final to follow.
2017 WRT West Coast Championship, January 27-29
Concord, California
Singles - Quarterfinals Saturday
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 8) Christian Longoria, 15-5, 15-14
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 13) Jose Diaz, 15-6, 15-5
3) Andree Parrilla d. 11) Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 15-13, 8-15, 11-5
10) Alejandro Landa d. 2) David Horn, 12-15, 15-12, 11-3
Singles - Semi-finals Saturday
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 5) Rodrigo Montoya - 4 PM
3) Andree Parrilla v. 10) Alejandro Landa - 3 PM
Doubles - Semi-finals Saturday
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores v. 9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas
Follow the bouncing ball….
Friday, January 27, 2017
2017 WRT West Coast Championships - Round of 16
The Round of 16 at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) West Coast Championships in Concord, California has yielded some upsets, but nothing too surprising. Jaime Martell, the 4th seed, was the highest seed to lose, but that was at the hands of 2015 Pan American Champion Jose Diaz, 12-15, 15-12, 11-5, so a tough match for Martell.
Sixth seed Jake Bredenbeck also fell in his first time out since injuring his right shoulder at last year’s US Open, but we understand that Bredenbeck is playing left-handed, so his loss to 11th seed Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 15-4, 15-3, isn’t so surprising. Also unsurprising is 10th seed Alejandro Landa’s win over 7th seed Gerardo Franco, 13-15, 15-11, 11-6, as Landa is a multiple WRT tournament winner, who hasn’t played many WRT events recently, which accounts for his lower ranking.
Maybe a bit surprising was 3rd Andree Parrilla’s win over Felipe Camacho, 15-3, 15-7. Camacho’s a solid player, who has represented Costa Rica several times internationally, so we would have thought the scores would be closer.
Two upsets in the doubles draw, as 9th seeds Camacho and Landa defeated 1st seeds Bredenbeck and David Horn, 15-11, 8-15, 11-0, in the quarterfinals, and will play 4th seeds Alejandro Cardona and Freddy Flores in the semi-finals, as Cardona and Flores beat 5th seeds Luis Alvia and Francisco Troncoso, 15-2, 15-13.
Also, 6th seeds Gerardo Franco and Mauro Rojas knocked off 3rd seeds Christian Longoria and Jaime Martell, 7-15, 15-12, 11-3, compounding Martell’s loss in singles. Franco and Rojas will play 2nd seeds Parrilla and Rodrigo Montoya, who were winners over 7th seeds Danny Lavely and Mauricio Zelada, 15-10, 15-10.
The singles quarterfinals begin Saturday morning at 9 AM PST from Concord, and you can watch the action live via the WRT website.
2017 WRT West Coast Championship, January 27-29
Concord, California
Singles - Round of 16
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 17) Victor Camacho, 15-2, 15-7
8) Christian Longoria d. 9) Francisco Troncoso, 15-6, 15-12
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 12) Luis Alvia, 15-6, 15-3
13) Jose Diaz d. 4) Jaime Martell, 12-15, 15-12, 11-5
3) Andree Parrilla d. 19) Felipe Camacho, 15-3, 15-7
11) Miguel Rodriguez Jr. d. 6) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-4, 15-3
10) Alejandro Landa d. 7) Gerardo Franco, 13-15, 15-11, 11-6
2) David Horn d. 15) Mauro Rojas, 15-3, 15-5
Singles - Quarterfinals Saturday
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 8) Christian Longoria - Noon
5) Rodrigo Montoya v. 13) Jose Diaz - 11 AM
3) Andree Parrilla v. 11) Miguel Rodriguez Jr. - 9 AM
2) David Horn v. 10) Alejandro Landa - 10 AM
Doubles - Round of 16
1) Jake Bredenbeck & David Horn d. 17) Knox La Rue & Tim Prigo, 15-1d, 15-10
9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa d. 8) Victor Camacho & Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 15-8, 15-3
5) Luis Alvia & Francisco Troncoso d. 12) Ricardo Diaz & Antonio Rojas, 15-11, 15-0
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores d. 13) John Churchwell & Luis Hernandez, 15-12, 15-6
3) Christian Longoria & Jaime Martell d. 14) Scott Ferrell & Nick Steiner, 15-3, 15-12
6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas d. 11) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Dane Elkins, 15-1, 15-8
7) Danny Lavely & Mauricio Zelada d. 10) Jon Sevier & Israel Torres, 15-5, 15-8
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla d. 15) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer, 15-5, 15-11
Doubles - Quarterfinals Friday
9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa d. 1) Jake Bredenbeck & David Horn, 15-11, 8-15, 11-0
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores d. 5) Luis Alvia & Francisco Troncoso, 15-2, 15-13
6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas d. 3) Christian Longoria & Jaime Martell, 7-15, 15-12, 11-3
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla d. 7) Danny Lavely & Mauricio Zelada, 15-10, 15-10
Doubles - Semi-finals Saturday
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores v. 9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas
Follow the bouncing ball….
Sixth seed Jake Bredenbeck also fell in his first time out since injuring his right shoulder at last year’s US Open, but we understand that Bredenbeck is playing left-handed, so his loss to 11th seed Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 15-4, 15-3, isn’t so surprising. Also unsurprising is 10th seed Alejandro Landa’s win over 7th seed Gerardo Franco, 13-15, 15-11, 11-6, as Landa is a multiple WRT tournament winner, who hasn’t played many WRT events recently, which accounts for his lower ranking.
Maybe a bit surprising was 3rd Andree Parrilla’s win over Felipe Camacho, 15-3, 15-7. Camacho’s a solid player, who has represented Costa Rica several times internationally, so we would have thought the scores would be closer.
Two upsets in the doubles draw, as 9th seeds Camacho and Landa defeated 1st seeds Bredenbeck and David Horn, 15-11, 8-15, 11-0, in the quarterfinals, and will play 4th seeds Alejandro Cardona and Freddy Flores in the semi-finals, as Cardona and Flores beat 5th seeds Luis Alvia and Francisco Troncoso, 15-2, 15-13.
Also, 6th seeds Gerardo Franco and Mauro Rojas knocked off 3rd seeds Christian Longoria and Jaime Martell, 7-15, 15-12, 11-3, compounding Martell’s loss in singles. Franco and Rojas will play 2nd seeds Parrilla and Rodrigo Montoya, who were winners over 7th seeds Danny Lavely and Mauricio Zelada, 15-10, 15-10.
The singles quarterfinals begin Saturday morning at 9 AM PST from Concord, and you can watch the action live via the WRT website.
2017 WRT West Coast Championship, January 27-29
Concord, California
Singles - Round of 16
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 17) Victor Camacho, 15-2, 15-7
8) Christian Longoria d. 9) Francisco Troncoso, 15-6, 15-12
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 12) Luis Alvia, 15-6, 15-3
13) Jose Diaz d. 4) Jaime Martell, 12-15, 15-12, 11-5
3) Andree Parrilla d. 19) Felipe Camacho, 15-3, 15-7
11) Miguel Rodriguez Jr. d. 6) Jake Bredenbeck, 15-4, 15-3
10) Alejandro Landa d. 7) Gerardo Franco, 13-15, 15-11, 11-6
2) David Horn d. 15) Mauro Rojas, 15-3, 15-5
Singles - Quarterfinals Saturday
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 8) Christian Longoria - Noon
5) Rodrigo Montoya v. 13) Jose Diaz - 11 AM
3) Andree Parrilla v. 11) Miguel Rodriguez Jr. - 9 AM
2) David Horn v. 10) Alejandro Landa - 10 AM
Doubles - Round of 16
1) Jake Bredenbeck & David Horn d. 17) Knox La Rue & Tim Prigo, 15-1d, 15-10
9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa d. 8) Victor Camacho & Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 15-8, 15-3
5) Luis Alvia & Francisco Troncoso d. 12) Ricardo Diaz & Antonio Rojas, 15-11, 15-0
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores d. 13) John Churchwell & Luis Hernandez, 15-12, 15-6
3) Christian Longoria & Jaime Martell d. 14) Scott Ferrell & Nick Steiner, 15-3, 15-12
6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas d. 11) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Dane Elkins, 15-1, 15-8
7) Danny Lavely & Mauricio Zelada d. 10) Jon Sevier & Israel Torres, 15-5, 15-8
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla d. 15) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer, 15-5, 15-11
Doubles - Quarterfinals Friday
9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa d. 1) Jake Bredenbeck & David Horn, 15-11, 8-15, 11-0
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores d. 5) Luis Alvia & Francisco Troncoso, 15-2, 15-13
6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas d. 3) Christian Longoria & Jaime Martell, 7-15, 15-12, 11-3
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla d. 7) Danny Lavely & Mauricio Zelada, 15-10, 15-10
Doubles - Semi-finals Saturday
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores v. 9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas
Follow the bouncing ball….
2017 WRT West Coast Championships - Round of 32
There have been no big surprises through the Round of 32 at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) West Coast Championships in Concord, California, but there are some interesting Round of 16 matches still to played on Friday.
WRT #1 Alejandro Cardona won his first match against Tim Prigo, 15-9, 15-7. He’ll face Victor Camacho in the 16s, as Camacho defeated Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-4, 15-6. A win for Cardona there, and he could face young Christian Longoria in the quarterfinals, as Longoria beat Mauricio Zelada in the 32s, 15-5, 15-4, in what we imagined would be a closer match.
Fourth seed Jaime Martell defeated Hanzel Martinez, 15-4, 15-1, but now plays Jose Diaz in the 16s, as Diaz beat Freddy Flores, 15-9, 15-2. The winner of will probably play Rodrigo Montoya, who won the last WRT event. Any of those three could be in the semi-finals.
Andree Parrilla, the 3rd seed, bested Christian Wer, 15-7, 15-0, and faces Felipe Camacho in the 16s, as Camacho defeated Danny Lavely, 15-14, 15-5. Also in that bracket, Jake Bredenbeck will play Miguel Rodriguez Jr. in the Round of 16.
Finally, WRT #2 David Horn plays US Junior Team member Mauro Rojas in the 16s, as in the 32s, he beat Jose Perez, 15-1, 15-8, and Rojas defeated Israel Torres, 15-14, 15-4. The winner of Horn-Rojas faces the winner of Alejandro Landa and Gerardo Franco in the 16s.
You can watch action from Concord live via the WRT website beginning with the quarterfinals on Saturday.
2017 WRT West Coast Championship, January 27-29
Concord, California
Singles - Round 1 matches
32) Tim Prigo d. 33) Juan Jose Salvatierra, 15-9, 15-9
34) Jose Perez d. 31) Knox La Rue, 15-7, 15-14
Singles - Round of 32
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 32) Tim Prigo, 15-9, 15-7
17) Victor Camacho d. 16) Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-4, 15-6
9) Francisco Troncoso d. 24) Antonio Rojas, 15-12, 15-10
8) Christian Longoria d. 25) Mauricio Zelada, 15-5, 15-4
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 28) Dane Elkins, 15-2, 15-7
12) Luis Alvia d. 21) John Churchwell, 15-2, 15-11
13) Jose Diaz d. 20) Freddy Flores, 15-9, 15-2
4) Jaime Martell d. 29) Hanzel Martinez, 15-4, 15-1
3) Andree Parrilla d. 30) Christian Wer, 15-7, 15-0
19) Felipe Camacho d. 14) Danny Lavely, 15-14, 15-5
11) Miguel Rodriguez Jr. d. 22) Jon Sevier, 15-5, 15-1
6) Jake Bredenbeck d. 27) Jongrib Ha, 15-5, 15-8
7) Gerardo Franco d. 26) Edwin Galicia, 15-10, 15-5
10) Alejandro Landa d. 23) Ricardo Diaz, 15-4, 15-4
15) Mauro Rojas d. 18) Israel Torres, 15-14, 15-4
2) David Horn d. 34) Jose Perez, 15-1, 15-8
Singles - Round of 16
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 17) Victor Camacho
8) Christian Longoria v. 9) Francisco Troncoso
5) Rodrigo Montoya v. 12) Luis Alvia
4) Jaime Martell v. 13) Jose Diaz
3) Andree Parrilla v. 19) Felipe Camacho
6) Jake Bredenbeck v. 11) Miguel Rodriguez Jr.
7) Gerardo Franco v. 10) Alejandro Landa
2) David Horn v. 15) Mauro Rojas
Doubles - Round 1 matches
17) Knox La Rue & Tim Prigo d. 16) Hanzel Martinez & Juan Jose Salvatierra, 15-13, 13-15, 11-6
Doubles - Round of 16
1) Jake Bredenbeck & David Horn v. 17) Knox La Rue & Tim Prigo
8) Victor Camacho & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. 9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa
5) Luis Alvia & Francisco Troncoso v. 12) Ricardo Diaz & Antonio Rojas
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores v. 13) John Churchwell & Luis Hernandez
3) Christian Longoria & Jaime Martell v. 14) Scott Ferrell & Nick Steiner
6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas v. 11) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Dane Elkins
7) Danny Lavely & Mauricio Zelada v. 10) Jon Sevier & Israel Torres
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 15) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer
Follow the bouncing ball….
WRT #1 Alejandro Cardona won his first match against Tim Prigo, 15-9, 15-7. He’ll face Victor Camacho in the 16s, as Camacho defeated Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-4, 15-6. A win for Cardona there, and he could face young Christian Longoria in the quarterfinals, as Longoria beat Mauricio Zelada in the 32s, 15-5, 15-4, in what we imagined would be a closer match.
Fourth seed Jaime Martell defeated Hanzel Martinez, 15-4, 15-1, but now plays Jose Diaz in the 16s, as Diaz beat Freddy Flores, 15-9, 15-2. The winner of will probably play Rodrigo Montoya, who won the last WRT event. Any of those three could be in the semi-finals.
Andree Parrilla, the 3rd seed, bested Christian Wer, 15-7, 15-0, and faces Felipe Camacho in the 16s, as Camacho defeated Danny Lavely, 15-14, 15-5. Also in that bracket, Jake Bredenbeck will play Miguel Rodriguez Jr. in the Round of 16.
Finally, WRT #2 David Horn plays US Junior Team member Mauro Rojas in the 16s, as in the 32s, he beat Jose Perez, 15-1, 15-8, and Rojas defeated Israel Torres, 15-14, 15-4. The winner of Horn-Rojas faces the winner of Alejandro Landa and Gerardo Franco in the 16s.
You can watch action from Concord live via the WRT website beginning with the quarterfinals on Saturday.
2017 WRT West Coast Championship, January 27-29
Concord, California
Singles - Round 1 matches
32) Tim Prigo d. 33) Juan Jose Salvatierra, 15-9, 15-9
34) Jose Perez d. 31) Knox La Rue, 15-7, 15-14
Singles - Round of 32
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 32) Tim Prigo, 15-9, 15-7
17) Victor Camacho d. 16) Alexi David Cocco Hayes, 15-4, 15-6
9) Francisco Troncoso d. 24) Antonio Rojas, 15-12, 15-10
8) Christian Longoria d. 25) Mauricio Zelada, 15-5, 15-4
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 28) Dane Elkins, 15-2, 15-7
12) Luis Alvia d. 21) John Churchwell, 15-2, 15-11
13) Jose Diaz d. 20) Freddy Flores, 15-9, 15-2
4) Jaime Martell d. 29) Hanzel Martinez, 15-4, 15-1
3) Andree Parrilla d. 30) Christian Wer, 15-7, 15-0
19) Felipe Camacho d. 14) Danny Lavely, 15-14, 15-5
11) Miguel Rodriguez Jr. d. 22) Jon Sevier, 15-5, 15-1
6) Jake Bredenbeck d. 27) Jongrib Ha, 15-5, 15-8
7) Gerardo Franco d. 26) Edwin Galicia, 15-10, 15-5
10) Alejandro Landa d. 23) Ricardo Diaz, 15-4, 15-4
15) Mauro Rojas d. 18) Israel Torres, 15-14, 15-4
2) David Horn d. 34) Jose Perez, 15-1, 15-8
Singles - Round of 16
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 17) Victor Camacho
8) Christian Longoria v. 9) Francisco Troncoso
5) Rodrigo Montoya v. 12) Luis Alvia
4) Jaime Martell v. 13) Jose Diaz
3) Andree Parrilla v. 19) Felipe Camacho
6) Jake Bredenbeck v. 11) Miguel Rodriguez Jr.
7) Gerardo Franco v. 10) Alejandro Landa
2) David Horn v. 15) Mauro Rojas
Doubles - Round 1 matches
17) Knox La Rue & Tim Prigo d. 16) Hanzel Martinez & Juan Jose Salvatierra, 15-13, 13-15, 11-6
Doubles - Round of 16
1) Jake Bredenbeck & David Horn v. 17) Knox La Rue & Tim Prigo
8) Victor Camacho & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. 9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa
5) Luis Alvia & Francisco Troncoso v. 12) Ricardo Diaz & Antonio Rojas
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores v. 13) John Churchwell & Luis Hernandez
3) Christian Longoria & Jaime Martell v. 14) Scott Ferrell & Nick Steiner
6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas v. 11) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Dane Elkins
7) Danny Lavely & Mauricio Zelada v. 10) Jon Sevier & Israel Torres
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 15) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer
Follow the bouncing ball….
2017 WRT West Coast Championships - Preview
The World Racquetball Tour (WRT) returns this weekend with the West Coast Championships in Concord, California. There’s a large draw of 34 players led by WRT #1 Alejandro Cardona, and #2 David Horn.
Addressing the draw by quarters, Cardona could face a test from young Christian Longoria in the quarterfinals, although Longoria will play Mauricio Zelada in the Round of 32. Zelada is no slouch, and if he wins, it wouldn’t be a big surprise, despite the ranking.
Fourth seed Jaime Martell could get a stiff test in the Round of 16, as he’ll likely face Jose Diaz there. The winner of will probably play Rodrigo Montoya, who won the last WRT event. Any of those three could be in the semi-finals.
Andree Parrilla, the 3rd seed, plays Christian Wer first, and then the winner of Danny Lavely and Felipe Camacho. If he gets past them, Parrilla could meet Jake Bredenbeck in the quarterfinals. Bredenbeck hasn’t played since injuring his arm at the US Open in October, and there’s a rumor he may play left-handed (Bredenbeck’s injury is to his right arm / shoulder), which would presumably be to Parrilla’s advantage.
Finally, the second seeded Horn will likely play up and coming US Junior Team member Mauro Rojas in the 16s, and then Alejandro Landa in the quarters, so it will be a difficult road to the final for Montoya.
You can watch action from Concord live via the WRT website beginning with the quarterfinals on Saturday.
2017 WRT West Coast Championship, January 27-29
Concord, California
Singles - Round 1 matches
32) Tim Prigo v. 33) Juan Jose Salvatierra
31) Knox La Rue v. 34) Jose Perez
Singles - Round of 32
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 32) Tim Prigo or 33) Juan Jose Salvatierra
16) Alexi David Cocco Hayes v. 17) Victor Camacho
9) Francisco Troncoso v. 24) Antonio Rojas
8) Christian Longoria v. 25) Mauricio Zelada
5) Rodrigo Montoya v. 28) Dane Elkins
12) Luis Alvia v. 21) John Churchwell
13) Jose Diaz v. 20) Freddy Flores
4) Jaime Martell v. 29) Hanzel Martinez
3) Andree Parrilla v. 30) Christian Wer
14) Danny Lavely v. 19) Felipe Camacho
11) Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. 22) Jon Sevier
6) Jake Bredenbeck v. 27) Jongrib Ha
7) Gerardo Franco v. 26) Edwin Galicia
10) Alejandro Landa v. 23) Ricardo Diaz
15) Mauro Rojas v. 18) Israel Torres
2) David Horn v. 31) Knox La Rue or 34) Jose Perez
Doubles - Round 1 matches
16) Hanzel Martinez & Juan Jose Salvatierra v. 17) Knox La Rue & Tim Prigo
Doubles - Round of 16
1) Jake Bredenbeck & David Horn v. 16) Hanzel Martinez & Juan Jose Salvatierra or 17) Knox La Rue & Tim Prigo
8) Victor Camacho & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. 9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa
5) Luis Alvia & Francisco Troncoso v. 12) Ricardo Diaz & Antonio Rojas
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores v. 13) John Churchwell & Luis Hernandez
3) Christian Longoria & Jaime Martell v. 14) Scott Ferrell & Nick Steiner
6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas v. 11) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Dane Elkins
7) Danny Lavely & Rafael Filippini v. 10) Jon Sevier & Israel Torres
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 15) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer
Follow the bouncing ball….
Addressing the draw by quarters, Cardona could face a test from young Christian Longoria in the quarterfinals, although Longoria will play Mauricio Zelada in the Round of 32. Zelada is no slouch, and if he wins, it wouldn’t be a big surprise, despite the ranking.
Fourth seed Jaime Martell could get a stiff test in the Round of 16, as he’ll likely face Jose Diaz there. The winner of will probably play Rodrigo Montoya, who won the last WRT event. Any of those three could be in the semi-finals.
Andree Parrilla, the 3rd seed, plays Christian Wer first, and then the winner of Danny Lavely and Felipe Camacho. If he gets past them, Parrilla could meet Jake Bredenbeck in the quarterfinals. Bredenbeck hasn’t played since injuring his arm at the US Open in October, and there’s a rumor he may play left-handed (Bredenbeck’s injury is to his right arm / shoulder), which would presumably be to Parrilla’s advantage.
Finally, the second seeded Horn will likely play up and coming US Junior Team member Mauro Rojas in the 16s, and then Alejandro Landa in the quarters, so it will be a difficult road to the final for Montoya.
You can watch action from Concord live via the WRT website beginning with the quarterfinals on Saturday.
2017 WRT West Coast Championship, January 27-29
Concord, California
Singles - Round 1 matches
32) Tim Prigo v. 33) Juan Jose Salvatierra
31) Knox La Rue v. 34) Jose Perez
Singles - Round of 32
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 32) Tim Prigo or 33) Juan Jose Salvatierra
16) Alexi David Cocco Hayes v. 17) Victor Camacho
9) Francisco Troncoso v. 24) Antonio Rojas
8) Christian Longoria v. 25) Mauricio Zelada
5) Rodrigo Montoya v. 28) Dane Elkins
12) Luis Alvia v. 21) John Churchwell
13) Jose Diaz v. 20) Freddy Flores
4) Jaime Martell v. 29) Hanzel Martinez
3) Andree Parrilla v. 30) Christian Wer
14) Danny Lavely v. 19) Felipe Camacho
11) Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. 22) Jon Sevier
6) Jake Bredenbeck v. 27) Jongrib Ha
7) Gerardo Franco v. 26) Edwin Galicia
10) Alejandro Landa v. 23) Ricardo Diaz
15) Mauro Rojas v. 18) Israel Torres
2) David Horn v. 31) Knox La Rue or 34) Jose Perez
Doubles - Round 1 matches
16) Hanzel Martinez & Juan Jose Salvatierra v. 17) Knox La Rue & Tim Prigo
Doubles - Round of 16
1) Jake Bredenbeck & David Horn v. 16) Hanzel Martinez & Juan Jose Salvatierra or 17) Knox La Rue & Tim Prigo
8) Victor Camacho & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. 9) Felipe Camacho & Alejandro Landa
5) Luis Alvia & Francisco Troncoso v. 12) Ricardo Diaz & Antonio Rojas
4) Alejandro Cardona & Freddy Flores v. 13) John Churchwell & Luis Hernandez
3) Christian Longoria & Jaime Martell v. 14) Scott Ferrell & Nick Steiner
6) Gerardo Franco & Mauro Rojas v. 11) Alexi David Cocco Hayes & Dane Elkins
7) Danny Lavely & Rafael Filippini v. 10) Jon Sevier & Israel Torres
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 15) Edwin Galicia & Christian Wer
Follow the bouncing ball….
Monday, January 23, 2017
Weekend Round Up - Wins for Parrilla and Franco & Herrera
Andree Parrilla won Men’s Open at the 2017 Lewis Drug Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Sunday. He narrowly won the title by defeating Mario Mercado in the final, 15-13, 15-14. Parrilla defeated David Horn in one semi-final, 9-15, 15-5, 11-9, while Mercado beat Jordan Barth, 15-9, 15-13, in the other.
In the Men’s Open Doubles final, Sebastian Franco and Alejandro Herrera, the 2014 International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Champions, defeated Barth and Justus Benson, 15-13, 15-8, to take the title. In the semis, Franco and Herrera beat Art Spelts and Troy Vanbemmelen, 9-15, 15-0, 11-2, while Barth and Benson took out Lee Connell and Tanner Prentice, 15-8, 15-14.
This weekend’s main event will be the World Racquetball Tour’s (WRT's) 2017 West Coast Championship in Concord, California January 27-29. The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) is off until mid-March, when the Shamrock Shootout happens in Chicago, March 16-19, while the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) also doesn’t have an event until March, when they’ll be in Warren, New Jersey for the New Jersey Open, March 3-5.
2017 Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Men’s Open Final
Andree Parrilla d. Mario Mercado, 15-13, 15-14
Semi-finals
Andree Parrilla d. David Horn, 9-15, 15-5, 11-9
Mario Mercado d. Jordan Barth, 15-9, 15-13
Quarterfinals
David Horn d. Bradly Rogers, 15-11, 15-9
Andree Parrilla d. Samuel Murray, 15-13, 12-15, 11-5
Jordan Barth d. Sebastian Franco, 15-10, 13-15, 11–7
Mario Mercado d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-15, 15-13, 11-5
Men’s Open Doubles Final
Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera d. Jordan Barth & Justus Benson, 15-13, 15-8
Semi-finals
Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera d. Art Spelts & Troy Vanbemmelen, 9-15, 15-0, 11-2
Jordan Barth & Justus Benson d. Lee Connell & Tanner Prentice, 15-8, 15-14
Follow the bouncing ball….
In the Men’s Open Doubles final, Sebastian Franco and Alejandro Herrera, the 2014 International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Champions, defeated Barth and Justus Benson, 15-13, 15-8, to take the title. In the semis, Franco and Herrera beat Art Spelts and Troy Vanbemmelen, 9-15, 15-0, 11-2, while Barth and Benson took out Lee Connell and Tanner Prentice, 15-8, 15-14.
This weekend’s main event will be the World Racquetball Tour’s (WRT's) 2017 West Coast Championship in Concord, California January 27-29. The International Racquetball Tour (IRT) is off until mid-March, when the Shamrock Shootout happens in Chicago, March 16-19, while the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour (LPRT) also doesn’t have an event until March, when they’ll be in Warren, New Jersey for the New Jersey Open, March 3-5.
2017 Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Men’s Open Final
Andree Parrilla d. Mario Mercado, 15-13, 15-14
Semi-finals
Andree Parrilla d. David Horn, 9-15, 15-5, 11-9
Mario Mercado d. Jordan Barth, 15-9, 15-13
Quarterfinals
David Horn d. Bradly Rogers, 15-11, 15-9
Andree Parrilla d. Samuel Murray, 15-13, 12-15, 11-5
Jordan Barth d. Sebastian Franco, 15-10, 13-15, 11–7
Mario Mercado d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-15, 15-13, 11-5
Men’s Open Doubles Final
Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera d. Jordan Barth & Justus Benson, 15-13, 15-8
Semi-finals
Sebastian Franco & Alejandro Herrera d. Art Spelts & Troy Vanbemmelen, 9-15, 15-0, 11-2
Jordan Barth & Justus Benson d. Lee Connell & Tanner Prentice, 15-8, 15-14
Follow the bouncing ball….
Sunday, January 22, 2017
De La Rosa a double winner at 2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am in Sioux Falls
Daniel De La Rosa won singles and doubles Sunday at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 2017 Lewis Drug Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He defeated Alvaro Beltran in the singles final, 11-9, 11-4, 11-7, and then teamed up with Beltran to win the doubles final against Rocky Carson and Jose Diaz, 15-12, 15-14. It was De La Rosa’s second tour win, and both have come at the expense of Beltran. His first win was in 2014 at the New Jersey Open.
De La Rosa has now been in 10 IRT finals, winning twice, and losing to Beltran once, Carson once, and Kane Waselenchuk six times. His two tour victories put his 25th on the all time list of career wins, and tied for 4th among active players with Jose Rojas.
De La Rosa started the singles final well, as he went up 5-0 before Beltran even served. Beltran did work his way into the game, though, as he drew within one at 5-4. But De La Rosa again extended his lead, and got to game point at 10-4. However, the veteran Beltran kept plugging away, fighting off three game points to get within one again at 10-9. But a forehand skip by Beltran gave the serve back to De La Rosa who hit a lob to the right side that resulted in another Beltran skip on the serve return, ending the game at 11-9.
De La Rosa’s control of the match continued in game two. After Beltran scored the first point of the game, De La Rosa got the next five, and from there Beltran was never within three of De La Rosa, who won it 11-4.
Game three was closer, as they went back and forth early. Beltran even led 6-4. However, he skipped a forehand reverse pinch shot, which gave the serve back to De La Rosa, who scored the next six points, reaching match point at 10-6. But an avoidable hinder against De La Rosa put Beltran back in the service box. However, Beltran could only score once before giving up serve to De La Rosa, who ended the match on his second match point opportunity with a forehand pinch shot.
The doubles final was closely contested. Game one was back and forth early, as Carson and Diaz led by four at 7-3, and then Beltran and De La Rosa led by two at 10-8. Carson and Diaz retook the lead at 12-10, but with the serve back Beltran and De La Rosa scored five straight points. There was a bit of controversy at 14-12, as Diaz held up for a shot with the ball in the middle of the court. The referee called an avoidable, as he seemed to think De La Rosa was in the way of Diaz shooting to the front wall, although the view via the IRT Network suggested Diaz actually had enough room to swing, so the avoidable call seemed harsh. But that only put Beltran and De La Rosa half out, and on the next rally Carson skipped a backhand shot, giving the game to Beltran and De La Rosa, 15-12.
In game two, Beltran and De La Rosa led from the start, and went up 11-5. But Carson and Diaz fought back to tie it at 11-11. However, Beltran and De La Rosa were able to squeak out the victory by winning game two 15-14, and taking the match in two straight games.
The next IRT Tier 1 event will be March 16-19 in Chicago, where the Shamrock Shootout Pro-Am takes place. That will be followed the next weekend by the Raising Some Racquet for Kids event in Dayton, Ohio, March 23-26.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Final - Sunday
2) Daniel De La Rosa d. 4) Alvaro Beltran, 11-9, 11-4, 11-7
IRT Doubles Final - Sunday
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa d. 1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz, 15-12, 15-14
Follow the bouncing ball….
De La Rosa has now been in 10 IRT finals, winning twice, and losing to Beltran once, Carson once, and Kane Waselenchuk six times. His two tour victories put his 25th on the all time list of career wins, and tied for 4th among active players with Jose Rojas.
De La Rosa started the singles final well, as he went up 5-0 before Beltran even served. Beltran did work his way into the game, though, as he drew within one at 5-4. But De La Rosa again extended his lead, and got to game point at 10-4. However, the veteran Beltran kept plugging away, fighting off three game points to get within one again at 10-9. But a forehand skip by Beltran gave the serve back to De La Rosa who hit a lob to the right side that resulted in another Beltran skip on the serve return, ending the game at 11-9.
De La Rosa’s control of the match continued in game two. After Beltran scored the first point of the game, De La Rosa got the next five, and from there Beltran was never within three of De La Rosa, who won it 11-4.
Game three was closer, as they went back and forth early. Beltran even led 6-4. However, he skipped a forehand reverse pinch shot, which gave the serve back to De La Rosa, who scored the next six points, reaching match point at 10-6. But an avoidable hinder against De La Rosa put Beltran back in the service box. However, Beltran could only score once before giving up serve to De La Rosa, who ended the match on his second match point opportunity with a forehand pinch shot.
The doubles final was closely contested. Game one was back and forth early, as Carson and Diaz led by four at 7-3, and then Beltran and De La Rosa led by two at 10-8. Carson and Diaz retook the lead at 12-10, but with the serve back Beltran and De La Rosa scored five straight points. There was a bit of controversy at 14-12, as Diaz held up for a shot with the ball in the middle of the court. The referee called an avoidable, as he seemed to think De La Rosa was in the way of Diaz shooting to the front wall, although the view via the IRT Network suggested Diaz actually had enough room to swing, so the avoidable call seemed harsh. But that only put Beltran and De La Rosa half out, and on the next rally Carson skipped a backhand shot, giving the game to Beltran and De La Rosa, 15-12.
In game two, Beltran and De La Rosa led from the start, and went up 11-5. But Carson and Diaz fought back to tie it at 11-11. However, Beltran and De La Rosa were able to squeak out the victory by winning game two 15-14, and taking the match in two straight games.
The next IRT Tier 1 event will be March 16-19 in Chicago, where the Shamrock Shootout Pro-Am takes place. That will be followed the next weekend by the Raising Some Racquet for Kids event in Dayton, Ohio, March 23-26.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Final - Sunday
2) Daniel De La Rosa d. 4) Alvaro Beltran, 11-9, 11-4, 11-7
IRT Doubles Final - Sunday
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa d. 1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz, 15-12, 15-14
Follow the bouncing ball….
Saturday, January 21, 2017
De La Rosa & Beltran reach the final of the 2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am
Daniel De La Rosa and Alvaro Beltran will play in the final of the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 2017 Lewis Drug Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Sunday, as they won their respective semi-final matches Saturday. Second seed De La Rosa beat Alejandro Landa, 11-5, 12-10, 11-7, and 4th seed Beltran knocked off top two seed Rocky Carson in five games, coming back from 2-1 down to win 6-11, 12-10, 5-11, 11-0, 11-9. De La Rosa and Beltran will also play together in the IRT Doubles final Sunday against Carson and Jose Diaz.
As expected, Beltran and Carson played a long match that was clocked at over two hours. Carson won two of the first three games, and then surprisingly Beltran blanked him in game four, 11-0. That was only the second time over 46 matches Beltran has blanked Carson in a game (Carson also had -1 in one of their matches), and coincidentally, it was also at the Lewis Drug Pro-Am back in 2014. Carson has blanked Beltran once: in the final of the 2009 California Open.
That set up a fifth game, which was especially long. Our unofficial count has them at 68 rallies. For example, after 17 rallies they were just at 3-1 in Beltran’s favour. At that point, the referee assessed a technical against Carson for delay of game, and as Carson protested that call, he received another technical. That made the score 3 serving -1.
The technicals did seem to fire up Carson, although the points continued to be slow in coming for both players, as 22 more rallies only added three points to the score: 6-1 in Beltran’s favour.
Carson then put a run together, and tied the score at 6-6. They tied again at 7-7, then Beltran eked ahead to 9-7. A drive Z serve to the right side took a fortunate bounce for Beltran, resulting in an ace that put him on match point at 10-7. But a Carson forehand shot denied him the win there.
Two Beltran skipped shots, and Carson was within one, serving 9-10. However, Beltran hit a winning backhand serve return to get his second match point opportunity. He took advantage of that, hitting a Z serve to the right side that Carson returned cross court. The ball came off the left wall, and as he was backing up Beltran hit a backhand kill shot to end the game and the match.
The De La Rosa and Landa match was streaky. Landa began well in game one, as he took an early 3-0 and 5-2 leads. But he stalled there, as De La Rosa ran nine unanswered points to win game one 11-5. De La Rosa’s point streak continued in game two, as he went up 6-0, so De La Rosa scored 15 straight points against Landa.
However, Landa then got it together, and closed the gap, slowly but surely, until they were tied at 8-8. They tied again at 9-9, and then De La Rosa got to game point at 10-9 only to make a big forehand skip, and give the serve back to Landa, who tied the game at 10-10. But a De La Rosa cross court forehand shot got him back in the service box. Landa gave De La Rosa his second game point by skipping a forehand shot, which was an unforced error. On his second game point, De La Rosa drove serve to the right side for an ace, closing out game two 12-10.
In game three, De La Rosa led all the way. He had an early lead at 5-1, and although Landa made it close at 8-6, and fought off two match points at 10-6, the outcome did seem in doubt at that point, as De La Rosa won the game, 11-7, match, 3-0, when Landa made another unforced error by putting a ball into the floor with his forehand.
The final will be the third all Mexican IRT final. Beltran and De La Rosa have been in the other two as well, and they split them. Beltran winning in Davison in 2013, and De La Rosa winning in New Jersey in 2014. This is Beltran’s first final since April of last year at the Raising Some Racquet for Kids tournament in Ohio. De La Rosa was last in a final at the Galaxy Custom Printing event in Georgia earlier this season in November.
You can see the finals live from Sioux Falls via the IRT Network beginning with the singles final at 11 AM Central Sunday morning with the doubles final following that no earlier than noon.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Semi-finals - Saturday
4) Alvaro Beltran d. 1) Rocky Carson, 6-11, 12-10, 5-11, 11-0, 11-9
2) Daniel De La Rosa d. Alejandro Landa, 11-5, 12-10, 11-7
Final - Sunday
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. 4) Alvaro Beltran - 10 AM
IRT Doubles Final - Sunday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz v. 2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - Noon
Follow the bouncing ball….
As expected, Beltran and Carson played a long match that was clocked at over two hours. Carson won two of the first three games, and then surprisingly Beltran blanked him in game four, 11-0. That was only the second time over 46 matches Beltran has blanked Carson in a game (Carson also had -1 in one of their matches), and coincidentally, it was also at the Lewis Drug Pro-Am back in 2014. Carson has blanked Beltran once: in the final of the 2009 California Open.
That set up a fifth game, which was especially long. Our unofficial count has them at 68 rallies. For example, after 17 rallies they were just at 3-1 in Beltran’s favour. At that point, the referee assessed a technical against Carson for delay of game, and as Carson protested that call, he received another technical. That made the score 3 serving -1.
The technicals did seem to fire up Carson, although the points continued to be slow in coming for both players, as 22 more rallies only added three points to the score: 6-1 in Beltran’s favour.
Carson then put a run together, and tied the score at 6-6. They tied again at 7-7, then Beltran eked ahead to 9-7. A drive Z serve to the right side took a fortunate bounce for Beltran, resulting in an ace that put him on match point at 10-7. But a Carson forehand shot denied him the win there.
Two Beltran skipped shots, and Carson was within one, serving 9-10. However, Beltran hit a winning backhand serve return to get his second match point opportunity. He took advantage of that, hitting a Z serve to the right side that Carson returned cross court. The ball came off the left wall, and as he was backing up Beltran hit a backhand kill shot to end the game and the match.
The De La Rosa and Landa match was streaky. Landa began well in game one, as he took an early 3-0 and 5-2 leads. But he stalled there, as De La Rosa ran nine unanswered points to win game one 11-5. De La Rosa’s point streak continued in game two, as he went up 6-0, so De La Rosa scored 15 straight points against Landa.
However, Landa then got it together, and closed the gap, slowly but surely, until they were tied at 8-8. They tied again at 9-9, and then De La Rosa got to game point at 10-9 only to make a big forehand skip, and give the serve back to Landa, who tied the game at 10-10. But a De La Rosa cross court forehand shot got him back in the service box. Landa gave De La Rosa his second game point by skipping a forehand shot, which was an unforced error. On his second game point, De La Rosa drove serve to the right side for an ace, closing out game two 12-10.
In game three, De La Rosa led all the way. He had an early lead at 5-1, and although Landa made it close at 8-6, and fought off two match points at 10-6, the outcome did seem in doubt at that point, as De La Rosa won the game, 11-7, match, 3-0, when Landa made another unforced error by putting a ball into the floor with his forehand.
The final will be the third all Mexican IRT final. Beltran and De La Rosa have been in the other two as well, and they split them. Beltran winning in Davison in 2013, and De La Rosa winning in New Jersey in 2014. This is Beltran’s first final since April of last year at the Raising Some Racquet for Kids tournament in Ohio. De La Rosa was last in a final at the Galaxy Custom Printing event in Georgia earlier this season in November.
You can see the finals live from Sioux Falls via the IRT Network beginning with the singles final at 11 AM Central Sunday morning with the doubles final following that no earlier than noon.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Semi-finals - Saturday
4) Alvaro Beltran d. 1) Rocky Carson, 6-11, 12-10, 5-11, 11-0, 11-9
2) Daniel De La Rosa d. Alejandro Landa, 11-5, 12-10, 11-7
Final - Sunday
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. 4) Alvaro Beltran - 10 AM
IRT Doubles Final - Sunday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz v. 2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - Noon
Follow the bouncing ball….
Top seeds to face off in IRT Doubles final at 2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am
The top two seeds in the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) Doubles division will meet in the final of the 2017 Lewis Drug Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Sunday, when Rocky Carson and Jose Diaz will face off against Alvaro Beltran and Daniel De La Rosa. In the semi-finals, Carson and Diaz beat Sebastian Franco and Mario Mercado, 15-6, 15-8, and Beltran and De La Rosa defeated brothers Jose and Marco Rojas, 15-12, 15-11.
Franco and Mercado were upset winners over Jansen Allen and Samuel Murray in the quarterfinals, winning in a tie-breaker, 15-12, 5-15, 11-8.
The singles semi-finals will be 4 & 5 PM Saturday and webcast live via the IRT Network. The doubles final will be Sunday at noon, although it is scheduled after the singles final, so the start time will depend on how long the singles final goes.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Rocky Carson v. 4) Alvaro Beltran - 4 PM
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. Alejandro Landa - 5 PM
IRT Doubles Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz d. 8) Alejandro Herrera & Alejandro Landa, 15-13, 15-12
5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado d. 4) Jansen Allen & Samuel Murray, 15-12, 5-15, 11-8
3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas d. 6) Felipe Camacho & Robert Collins, 15-12, 15-5
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa d. 7) David Horn & Andree Parrilla, 15-12, 15-7
IRT Doubles Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz d. 5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado, 15-6, 15-8
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa d. 3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas, 15-12, 15-11
IRT Doubles Final - Sunday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz v. 2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - Noon
Follow the bouncing ball….
Franco and Mercado were upset winners over Jansen Allen and Samuel Murray in the quarterfinals, winning in a tie-breaker, 15-12, 5-15, 11-8.
The singles semi-finals will be 4 & 5 PM Saturday and webcast live via the IRT Network. The doubles final will be Sunday at noon, although it is scheduled after the singles final, so the start time will depend on how long the singles final goes.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Rocky Carson v. 4) Alvaro Beltran - 4 PM
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. Alejandro Landa - 5 PM
IRT Doubles Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz d. 8) Alejandro Herrera & Alejandro Landa, 15-13, 15-12
5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado d. 4) Jansen Allen & Samuel Murray, 15-12, 5-15, 11-8
3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas d. 6) Felipe Camacho & Robert Collins, 15-12, 15-5
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa d. 7) David Horn & Andree Parrilla, 15-12, 15-7
IRT Doubles Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz d. 5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado, 15-6, 15-8
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa d. 3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas, 15-12, 15-11
IRT Doubles Final - Sunday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz v. 2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - Noon
Follow the bouncing ball….
Friday, January 20, 2017
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am Quarterfinals - Wins by Carson, De La Rosa, Beltran & Landa
The top two seeds - Rocky Carson and Daniel De La Rosa - are through to the semi-finals at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 2017 Lewis Drug Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, but the match of the quarters was won by Alejandro Landa, who was up 2-0 on Andree Parrilla, only to be forced into a tie-breaker and then down 10-2 in that breaker, yet Landa overcame that deficit with ten straight points to advance to the semi-finals Saturday.
Landa won games one and two versus Parrilla comfortably, although game two was close, as they were tied 8-8 before Landa won 11-8. But it was in game three that Landa become unglued. After being close early, Parrilla went on a run that took him from 4-4 to 9-4. At that point, Landa banged his racquet, and received a technical, making the score 9-3. He immediately did it again and got a second technical that made the score 9-2 for Parrilla. The incidents occurred out of view, but the commentator later suggested Landa banged the racquet in the direction of the match referee.
From there, Landa just gave up on game three, and even seemed to be exiting the court before the ball bounced twice on Parrilla’s lob serve at 10-2.
Early in game four, Landa was called for an avoidable hinder, and a couple rallies later a hinder was called on Parrilla, not an avoidable. Both of these calls seemed to be appropriate, but that they both went against Landa, they added to his frustration.
Still, Landa was able to keep ahead of Parrilla for most of game four until late in the game, when Parrilla tied it at 8-8. Landa called a timeout, but Parrilla then went ahead, and got to game point at 10-8. Landa held Parrilla there, and scored two points himself to tie it at 10-10. But Parrilla twice prevented Landa from getting past 10, and then scored two straight points to force the breaker, winning the game with a solid backhand shot.
Between games Landa let his frustration get the better of him, and said something to the referee, which earned him another technical. Under IRT rules a player does not forfeit a match until they have received four technicals. Thus, game five began with Parrilla serving 0 to -1. Parrilla took full advantage of that and ran out to a 6-0 advantage.
Landa called a timeout at that point, and he was able to get on the board at 6-1. But Parrilla continued on to match point at 10-2. However, Landa hit a solid forehand to fight off match point, and get the serve back.
Then things got interesting.
Landa, who had done both drive serves and lob serves in the match, switched to a Z serve to the left - Parrilla’s backhand - early in game five, hitting it at 3/4 speed and 6-8’ off the ground. He scored point after point with it, as Parrilla generally let it go into the back corner, which didn’t allow for the strongest returns. At 10-6, Parrilla took a timeout.
But didn’t stop the bleeding. At 10-10, Parrilla tried to cut off Landa’s serve before it got to the back left corner, but that only resulted in a big skip, a wail of frustration from Parrilla, and match point for Landa. A long rally ended with a hinder, and on his second match point Landa won it by driving a ball from right to left with his forehand, and the ball jammed off the side wall such that Parrilla got his racquet on it, but was forced into skipping the shot.
A big comeback by Landa in the game denies Parrilla a big comeback in the match, as Landa didn’t give up serve from 10-2 to 12-10.
Landa will play 2nd seed Daniel De La Rosa in the semi-finals Saturday, as De La Rosa also needed five games to fend off 7th seed Sebastian Franco, 3-11, 11-9, 11-3, 5-11, 11-3.
On the top side of the draw, two familiar foes will face off in the other semi-final, as top seed Rocky Carson will play 4th seed Alvaro Beltran. In the quarterfinals, Carson defeated Mario Mercado, 13-11, 12-10, 11-4, and Beltran beat 5th seed Jansen Allen, 11-6, 11-4, 6-11, 11-3.
There were no upsets in the IRT Doubles draw, and there should be some great matches in the quarters and semis, which will be played Saturday morning.
The IRT Network will have two of the doubles quarterfinals and both semi-finals from Sioux Falls Saturday morning with the singles semi-finals Saturday afternoon. The finals will be Sunday at 11 AM (singles) and noon (doubles). If you missed any of Friday’s matches, check them out at the IRT Network Facebook page.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Rocky Carson d. 8) Mario Mercado, 13-11, 12-10, 11-4
4) Alvaro Beltran d. 5) Jansen Allen, 11-6, 11-4, 6-11, 11-3
Alejandro Landa d. Andree Parrilla, 11-4, 11-8, 2-11, 10-12, 12-10
2) Daniel De La Rosa d. 7) Sebastian Franco, 3-11, 11-9, 11-3, 5-11, 11-3
Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Rocky Carson v. 4) Alvaro Beltran - 4 PM
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. Alejandro Landa - 5 PM
IRT Doubles Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz - BYE
8) Alejandro Herrera & Alejandro Landa d. 9) Scott McClellan & Thyler Thielen, 15-13, 15-4
5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado d. 12) Jordan Barth & Justus Benson, 15-6, 15-13
4) Jansen Allen & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas - BYE
6) Felipe Camacho & Robert Collins d. 11) Bradly Rogers & Art Spelts, 15-11, 14-15, 11-9
7) David Horn & Andree Parrilla d. 10) Matthew Majxner & Richard Wagner, forfeit
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - BYE
IRT Doubles Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz v. 8) Alejandro Herrera & Alejandro Landa - 9 AM
4) Jansen Allen & Samuel Murray v. 5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado - 9 AM
3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas v. 6) Felipe Camacho & Robert Collins - 10 AM
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa v. 7) David Horn & Andree Parrilla - 10 AM
Follow the bouncing ball….
Landa won games one and two versus Parrilla comfortably, although game two was close, as they were tied 8-8 before Landa won 11-8. But it was in game three that Landa become unglued. After being close early, Parrilla went on a run that took him from 4-4 to 9-4. At that point, Landa banged his racquet, and received a technical, making the score 9-3. He immediately did it again and got a second technical that made the score 9-2 for Parrilla. The incidents occurred out of view, but the commentator later suggested Landa banged the racquet in the direction of the match referee.
From there, Landa just gave up on game three, and even seemed to be exiting the court before the ball bounced twice on Parrilla’s lob serve at 10-2.
Early in game four, Landa was called for an avoidable hinder, and a couple rallies later a hinder was called on Parrilla, not an avoidable. Both of these calls seemed to be appropriate, but that they both went against Landa, they added to his frustration.
Still, Landa was able to keep ahead of Parrilla for most of game four until late in the game, when Parrilla tied it at 8-8. Landa called a timeout, but Parrilla then went ahead, and got to game point at 10-8. Landa held Parrilla there, and scored two points himself to tie it at 10-10. But Parrilla twice prevented Landa from getting past 10, and then scored two straight points to force the breaker, winning the game with a solid backhand shot.
Between games Landa let his frustration get the better of him, and said something to the referee, which earned him another technical. Under IRT rules a player does not forfeit a match until they have received four technicals. Thus, game five began with Parrilla serving 0 to -1. Parrilla took full advantage of that and ran out to a 6-0 advantage.
Landa called a timeout at that point, and he was able to get on the board at 6-1. But Parrilla continued on to match point at 10-2. However, Landa hit a solid forehand to fight off match point, and get the serve back.
Then things got interesting.
Landa, who had done both drive serves and lob serves in the match, switched to a Z serve to the left - Parrilla’s backhand - early in game five, hitting it at 3/4 speed and 6-8’ off the ground. He scored point after point with it, as Parrilla generally let it go into the back corner, which didn’t allow for the strongest returns. At 10-6, Parrilla took a timeout.
But didn’t stop the bleeding. At 10-10, Parrilla tried to cut off Landa’s serve before it got to the back left corner, but that only resulted in a big skip, a wail of frustration from Parrilla, and match point for Landa. A long rally ended with a hinder, and on his second match point Landa won it by driving a ball from right to left with his forehand, and the ball jammed off the side wall such that Parrilla got his racquet on it, but was forced into skipping the shot.
A big comeback by Landa in the game denies Parrilla a big comeback in the match, as Landa didn’t give up serve from 10-2 to 12-10.
Landa will play 2nd seed Daniel De La Rosa in the semi-finals Saturday, as De La Rosa also needed five games to fend off 7th seed Sebastian Franco, 3-11, 11-9, 11-3, 5-11, 11-3.
On the top side of the draw, two familiar foes will face off in the other semi-final, as top seed Rocky Carson will play 4th seed Alvaro Beltran. In the quarterfinals, Carson defeated Mario Mercado, 13-11, 12-10, 11-4, and Beltran beat 5th seed Jansen Allen, 11-6, 11-4, 6-11, 11-3.
There were no upsets in the IRT Doubles draw, and there should be some great matches in the quarters and semis, which will be played Saturday morning.
The IRT Network will have two of the doubles quarterfinals and both semi-finals from Sioux Falls Saturday morning with the singles semi-finals Saturday afternoon. The finals will be Sunday at 11 AM (singles) and noon (doubles). If you missed any of Friday’s matches, check them out at the IRT Network Facebook page.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Rocky Carson d. 8) Mario Mercado, 13-11, 12-10, 11-4
4) Alvaro Beltran d. 5) Jansen Allen, 11-6, 11-4, 6-11, 11-3
Alejandro Landa d. Andree Parrilla, 11-4, 11-8, 2-11, 10-12, 12-10
2) Daniel De La Rosa d. 7) Sebastian Franco, 3-11, 11-9, 11-3, 5-11, 11-3
Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Rocky Carson v. 4) Alvaro Beltran - 4 PM
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. Alejandro Landa - 5 PM
IRT Doubles Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz - BYE
8) Alejandro Herrera & Alejandro Landa d. 9) Scott McClellan & Thyler Thielen, 15-13, 15-4
5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado d. 12) Jordan Barth & Justus Benson, 15-6, 15-13
4) Jansen Allen & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas - BYE
6) Felipe Camacho & Robert Collins d. 11) Bradly Rogers & Art Spelts, 15-11, 14-15, 11-9
7) David Horn & Andree Parrilla d. 10) Matthew Majxner & Richard Wagner, forfeit
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - BYE
IRT Doubles Quarterfinals - Saturday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz v. 8) Alejandro Herrera & Alejandro Landa - 9 AM
4) Jansen Allen & Samuel Murray v. 5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado - 9 AM
3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas v. 6) Felipe Camacho & Robert Collins - 10 AM
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa v. 7) David Horn & Andree Parrilla - 10 AM
Follow the bouncing ball….
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am Round of 16
Two upsets in the Round of 16 at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 2017 Lewis Drug Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and victims had the same surname: Rojas. Alejandro Landa defeated 4th seed Jose Rojas, 8-11, 11-3, 11-1, 11-5, and Andree Parrilla prevailed over Marco Rojas, Jose’s younger brother, in five games, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-3. Landa and Parrilla will now face off in the quarterfinals Friday night.
Top seed Rocky Carson won in three straight games, as he defeated Samuel Murray, 11-6, 11-7, 11-1, with Murray seeming to tweak his back early in game three. He took an injury timeout for it at 5-0 down, but continued to play, although not with quite the same vigour he had in the first two games, when Murray was often diving to get the ball and keep the rally going.
Second seed Daniel De La Rosa also won in straight games, beating Jose Diaz, 11-2, 11-7, 11-8, although it looked like things wouldn’t be so straightforward early in game two, when Diaz was up 6-0. However, De La Rosa ran ten straight points to lead 10-6, and closed out the game, 11-7. Credit to Diaz, as he didn’t quit, and even had a small lead in game three at 5-4. However, De La Rosa again responded by running four consecutive points to lead 8-5, and he went on to close out the game, 11-8, and match 3-0.
Jose Rojas looked like he was in control in game one against Landa, although Landa did keep it close, and even had a lead late in the game at 8-7. However, Rojas closed the game out with four unanswered points, 11-8. But the match flipped around in game two, as Landa took an early lead 7-2, and went on to win comfortably, 11-3, ending the game with a backhand kill shot from his shoulder.
Landa’s momentum continued in game three, as he went up 6-0, and cruised to a 11-1 win. Game four was close early, as they went back and forth, and were tied at 5-5. However, Rojas didn’t score another point, and only served once before Landa got to 10-5. Rojas did fight off three match points, but again he couldn’t score on his serve. On the fourth match point, Landa hit a drive serve to the right side that cracked out for an ace.
Fourth seed Alvaro Beltran dropped the first game of his match against Lee Connell, 13-11, but he was in control of the match from there on, winning the next two games comfortably. Beltran also had a comfortable lead in game three at 7-1, when Connell made a late comeback. Connell cut the lead to 7-5, but didn’t get any closer than that, as Beltran closed out game at 11-7 with a winning backhand shot that Connell couldn’t catch up to as he’d just made a great get on the right side of the court.
The IRT Network has the quarterfinal action from Sioux Falls all Friday night, and will is also putting the matches on their Facebook page, and you can watch them there even after they have been completed. They will have matches all Saturday starting with the IRT Doubles quarterfinals at 9 AM Central.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson d. Samuel Murray, 11-6, 11-7, 11-1
8) Mario Mercado d. Jordan Barth, 8-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-0
5) Jansen Allen d. David Horn, 11-8, 7-11, 11-6, 11-3
4) Alvaro Beltran d. Lee Connell, 11-13, 11-1, 11-3, 11-7
Alejandro Landa d. 3) Jose Rojas, 8-11, 11-3, 11-1, 11-5
Andree Parrilla d. 6) Marco Rojas, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-3
7) Sebastian Franco d. Robert Collins, 11-0, 11-7, 11-3
2) Daniel De La Rosa d. Jose Diaz, 11-2, 11-7, 11-8
Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Rocky Carson v. 8) Mario Mercado - 5 PM
4) Alvaro Beltran v. 5) Jansen Allen - 7 PM
Alejandro Landa v. Andree Parrilla 6 PM
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. 7) Sebastian Franco - 4 PM
IRT Doubles Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz - BYE
8) Alejandro Herrera & Alejandro Landa v. 9) Scott McClellan & Thyler Thielen - 8 PM
5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado v. 12) Jordan Barth & Justus Benson - 8 PM
4) Jansen Allen & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas - BYE
6) Felipe Camacho & Robert Collins v. 11) Bradly Rogers & Art Spelts - 8 PM
7) David Horn & Andree Parrilla v. 10) Matthew Majxner & Richard Wagner - 9 PM
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Top seed Rocky Carson won in three straight games, as he defeated Samuel Murray, 11-6, 11-7, 11-1, with Murray seeming to tweak his back early in game three. He took an injury timeout for it at 5-0 down, but continued to play, although not with quite the same vigour he had in the first two games, when Murray was often diving to get the ball and keep the rally going.
Second seed Daniel De La Rosa also won in straight games, beating Jose Diaz, 11-2, 11-7, 11-8, although it looked like things wouldn’t be so straightforward early in game two, when Diaz was up 6-0. However, De La Rosa ran ten straight points to lead 10-6, and closed out the game, 11-7. Credit to Diaz, as he didn’t quit, and even had a small lead in game three at 5-4. However, De La Rosa again responded by running four consecutive points to lead 8-5, and he went on to close out the game, 11-8, and match 3-0.
Jose Rojas looked like he was in control in game one against Landa, although Landa did keep it close, and even had a lead late in the game at 8-7. However, Rojas closed the game out with four unanswered points, 11-8. But the match flipped around in game two, as Landa took an early lead 7-2, and went on to win comfortably, 11-3, ending the game with a backhand kill shot from his shoulder.
Landa’s momentum continued in game three, as he went up 6-0, and cruised to a 11-1 win. Game four was close early, as they went back and forth, and were tied at 5-5. However, Rojas didn’t score another point, and only served once before Landa got to 10-5. Rojas did fight off three match points, but again he couldn’t score on his serve. On the fourth match point, Landa hit a drive serve to the right side that cracked out for an ace.
Fourth seed Alvaro Beltran dropped the first game of his match against Lee Connell, 13-11, but he was in control of the match from there on, winning the next two games comfortably. Beltran also had a comfortable lead in game three at 7-1, when Connell made a late comeback. Connell cut the lead to 7-5, but didn’t get any closer than that, as Beltran closed out game at 11-7 with a winning backhand shot that Connell couldn’t catch up to as he’d just made a great get on the right side of the court.
The IRT Network has the quarterfinal action from Sioux Falls all Friday night, and will is also putting the matches on their Facebook page, and you can watch them there even after they have been completed. They will have matches all Saturday starting with the IRT Doubles quarterfinals at 9 AM Central.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson d. Samuel Murray, 11-6, 11-7, 11-1
8) Mario Mercado d. Jordan Barth, 8-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-0
5) Jansen Allen d. David Horn, 11-8, 7-11, 11-6, 11-3
4) Alvaro Beltran d. Lee Connell, 11-13, 11-1, 11-3, 11-7
Alejandro Landa d. 3) Jose Rojas, 8-11, 11-3, 11-1, 11-5
Andree Parrilla d. 6) Marco Rojas, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-3
7) Sebastian Franco d. Robert Collins, 11-0, 11-7, 11-3
2) Daniel De La Rosa d. Jose Diaz, 11-2, 11-7, 11-8
Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Rocky Carson v. 8) Mario Mercado - 5 PM
4) Alvaro Beltran v. 5) Jansen Allen - 7 PM
Alejandro Landa v. Andree Parrilla 6 PM
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. 7) Sebastian Franco - 4 PM
IRT Doubles Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz - BYE
8) Alejandro Herrera & Alejandro Landa v. 9) Scott McClellan & Thyler Thielen - 8 PM
5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado v. 12) Jordan Barth & Justus Benson - 8 PM
4) Jansen Allen & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas - BYE
6) Felipe Camacho & Robert Collins v. 11) Bradly Rogers & Art Spelts - 8 PM
7) David Horn & Andree Parrilla v. 10) Matthew Majxner & Richard Wagner - 9 PM
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am Qualifying Results
There were no real surprises at the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 2017 Lewis Drug Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk isn’t there due to injury, but there will be two of his fellow Canadians in the Round of 16, as Samuel Murray defeated Matthew Majxner, 13-11, 11-2, 11-5, and Lee Connell beat Scott McClellan, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7. Murray will face IRT #2 Rocky Carson on Friday in the 16s, while Connell will be up against 4th seed Alvaro Beltran.
Robert Collins won the only tie-breaker match Thursday, as the left-hander came back from two games down to defeat Justus Benson, 5-11, 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 11-6. Collins will play 7th seed Sebastian Franco in the Round of 16 Friday.
The IRT Network will have the action from Sioux Falls starting with the Round of 16 on Friday morning at 10 AM Central.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday
Jordan Barth d. Thyler Thielen, 11-8, 11-3, 11-13, 11-7
Justus Benson d. Jeff Zomer, 11-7, 11-3, 11-3
Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday
Q8) Samuel Murray d. Matthew Majxner, 13-11, 11-2, 11-5
Q1) Jordan Barth d. Felipe Camacho, 11-5, 11-8, 11-9
Q4) David Horn d. Tanner Prentice, 11-5, 11-1, 11-2
Q5) Lee Connell d. Scott McClellan, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7
Q6) Alejandro Landa d. Bradly Rogers, 11-7, 11-6, 1-11, 11-6
Q3) Andree Parrilla d. James Landeryou, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4
Q2) Robert Collins d. Justus Benson, 5-11, 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 11-6
Q7) Jose Diaz d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-7, 7-11, 11-6, 11-7
Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson v. Samuel Murray
8) Mario Mercado v. Felipe Camacho or Jordan Barth
5) Jansen Allen v. David Horn
4) Alvaro Beltran v. Lee Connell
3) Jose Rojas v. Alejandro Landa
6) Marco Rojas v. Andree Parrilla
7) Sebastian Franco v. Robert Collins
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. Jose Diaz
IRT Doubles Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz - BYE
8) Alejandro Herrera & Alejandro Landa v. 9) Scott McClellan & Thyler Thielen
5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado v. 12) Jordan Barth & Justus Benson
4) Jansen Allen & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas - BYE
6) Felipe Camacho & Robert Collins v. 11) Bradly Rogers & Art Spelts
7) David Horn & Andree Parrilla v. 10) Matthew Majxner & Richard Wagner
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Robert Collins won the only tie-breaker match Thursday, as the left-hander came back from two games down to defeat Justus Benson, 5-11, 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 11-6. Collins will play 7th seed Sebastian Franco in the Round of 16 Friday.
The IRT Network will have the action from Sioux Falls starting with the Round of 16 on Friday morning at 10 AM Central.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday
Jordan Barth d. Thyler Thielen, 11-8, 11-3, 11-13, 11-7
Justus Benson d. Jeff Zomer, 11-7, 11-3, 11-3
Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday
Q8) Samuel Murray d. Matthew Majxner, 13-11, 11-2, 11-5
Q1) Jordan Barth d. Felipe Camacho, 11-5, 11-8, 11-9
Q4) David Horn d. Tanner Prentice, 11-5, 11-1, 11-2
Q5) Lee Connell d. Scott McClellan, 11-9, 11-7, 11-7
Q6) Alejandro Landa d. Bradly Rogers, 11-7, 11-6, 1-11, 11-6
Q3) Andree Parrilla d. James Landeryou, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4
Q2) Robert Collins d. Justus Benson, 5-11, 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 11-6
Q7) Jose Diaz d. Alejandro Herrera, 11-7, 7-11, 11-6, 11-7
Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson v. Samuel Murray
8) Mario Mercado v. Felipe Camacho or Jordan Barth
5) Jansen Allen v. David Horn
4) Alvaro Beltran v. Lee Connell
3) Jose Rojas v. Alejandro Landa
6) Marco Rojas v. Andree Parrilla
7) Sebastian Franco v. Robert Collins
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. Jose Diaz
IRT Doubles Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz - BYE
8) Alejandro Herrera & Alejandro Landa v. 9) Scott McClellan & Thyler Thielen
5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado v. 12) Jordan Barth & Justus Benson
4) Jansen Allen & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas - BYE
6) Felipe Camacho & Robert Collins v. 11) Bradly Rogers & Art Spelts
7) David Horn & Andree Parrilla v. 10) Matthew Majxner & Richard Wagner
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Thursday, January 19, 2017
2017 IRT Lews Drug Pro-Am Preview
The International Racquetball Tour (IRT’s) is back in action this weekend with its second event of the year: the 2017 Lewis Drug Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Unfortunately, IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk will not be there, as he withdrew due to injury earlier this week. But one man’s absence is another man’s opportunity. However, this man will capture this opportunity?
Rocky Carson, IRT #2, is the most likely player to take advantage, as he has won at least one event in nine of the last ten IRT seasons. He’s yet to win this season, but has been in four finals, all against Waselenchuk. Daniel De La Rosa, the IRT’s #3 player, is most likely to stop Carson in Sioux Falls. Carson has a winning record against De La Rosa at 13-7, but they have split they last eight meetings, 4-4, with each player winning two in a row. The bad news for Carson, or good news for De La Rosa, is that Carson’s won the last two, so if that pattern is to continue, it’s De La Rosa’s turn.
Also, to get to the final, Carson will likely have to defeat 4th seed Alvaro Beltran in the semi-finals. Carson and Beltran have almost 50-50 records against each other, although Carson has won the last four meetings to hold a 25-20 advantage over their long careers.
A special aspect of the Lewis Drug Pro-Am is that they always have a IRT Doubles event as well. There are some interesting teams in this year’s draw. In past years, Carson and Beltran have teamed up, but not this year, as Beltran is playing with De La Rosa and Carson is playing with Jose Diaz.
Yet the team to beat might be 3rd seeds Jose Rojas and Marco Rojas, the brothers team that won the US Open IRT Doubles title last year. Other teams of note are 4th seeds Jansen Allen - half of the USA Pan Am Games gold medal winners in 2015 (Jose Rojas was the other half) - and young Canadian Samuel Murray, the 8th seed double Alejandro team of Alejandro Landa and Alejandro Herrera, who won Men’s Doubles at the 2014 World Championships, as well as 5th seeds Sebastian Franco, who was Herrera’s gold medal partner at Worlds in 2014, and Mario Mercado.
The IRT Network will have the action from Sioux Falls starting with the Round of 16 on Friday morning at 10 AM Central.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday
Thyler Thielen v. Jordan Barth
Justus Benson v. Jeff Zomer
Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday
Q8) Matthew Majxner v. Samuel Murray
Q1) Felipe Camacho v. Thyler Thielen or Jordan Barth
Q4) David Horn v. Tanner Prentice
Q5) Scott McClellan v. Lee Connell
Q6) Alejandro Landa v. Bradly Rogers
Q3) Andree Parrilla v. James Landeryou
Q2) Robert Collins v. Justus Benson or Jeff Zomer
Q7) Jose Diaz v. Alejandro Herrera
Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson v. Q8
8) Mario Mercado v. Q1
5) Jansen Allen v. Q4
4) Alvaro Beltran v. Q5
3) Jose Rojas v. Q6
6) Marco Rojas v. Q3
7) Sebastian Franco v. Q2
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. Q7
IRT Doubles Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz - BYE
8) Alejandro Herrera & Alejandro Landa v. 9) Scott McClellan & Thyler Thielen
5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado v. 12) Jordan Barth & Justus Benson
4) Jansen Allen & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas - BYE
6) Felipe Camacho & Robert Collins v. 11) Bradly Rogers & Art Spelts
7) David Horn & Andree Parrilla v. 10) Matthew Majxner & Richard Wagner
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Rocky Carson, IRT #2, is the most likely player to take advantage, as he has won at least one event in nine of the last ten IRT seasons. He’s yet to win this season, but has been in four finals, all against Waselenchuk. Daniel De La Rosa, the IRT’s #3 player, is most likely to stop Carson in Sioux Falls. Carson has a winning record against De La Rosa at 13-7, but they have split they last eight meetings, 4-4, with each player winning two in a row. The bad news for Carson, or good news for De La Rosa, is that Carson’s won the last two, so if that pattern is to continue, it’s De La Rosa’s turn.
Also, to get to the final, Carson will likely have to defeat 4th seed Alvaro Beltran in the semi-finals. Carson and Beltran have almost 50-50 records against each other, although Carson has won the last four meetings to hold a 25-20 advantage over their long careers.
A special aspect of the Lewis Drug Pro-Am is that they always have a IRT Doubles event as well. There are some interesting teams in this year’s draw. In past years, Carson and Beltran have teamed up, but not this year, as Beltran is playing with De La Rosa and Carson is playing with Jose Diaz.
Yet the team to beat might be 3rd seeds Jose Rojas and Marco Rojas, the brothers team that won the US Open IRT Doubles title last year. Other teams of note are 4th seeds Jansen Allen - half of the USA Pan Am Games gold medal winners in 2015 (Jose Rojas was the other half) - and young Canadian Samuel Murray, the 8th seed double Alejandro team of Alejandro Landa and Alejandro Herrera, who won Men’s Doubles at the 2014 World Championships, as well as 5th seeds Sebastian Franco, who was Herrera’s gold medal partner at Worlds in 2014, and Mario Mercado.
The IRT Network will have the action from Sioux Falls starting with the Round of 16 on Friday morning at 10 AM Central.
2017 IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday
Thyler Thielen v. Jordan Barth
Justus Benson v. Jeff Zomer
Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday
Q8) Matthew Majxner v. Samuel Murray
Q1) Felipe Camacho v. Thyler Thielen or Jordan Barth
Q4) David Horn v. Tanner Prentice
Q5) Scott McClellan v. Lee Connell
Q6) Alejandro Landa v. Bradly Rogers
Q3) Andree Parrilla v. James Landeryou
Q2) Robert Collins v. Justus Benson or Jeff Zomer
Q7) Jose Diaz v. Alejandro Herrera
Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson v. Q8
8) Mario Mercado v. Q1
5) Jansen Allen v. Q4
4) Alvaro Beltran v. Q5
3) Jose Rojas v. Q6
6) Marco Rojas v. Q3
7) Sebastian Franco v. Q2
2) Daniel De La Rosa v. Q7
IRT Doubles Round of 16 - Friday
1) Rocky Carson & Jose Diaz - BYE
8) Alejandro Herrera & Alejandro Landa v. 9) Scott McClellan & Thyler Thielen
5) Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado v. 12) Jordan Barth & Justus Benson
4) Jansen Allen & Samuel Murray - BYE
3) Jose Rojas & Marco Rojas - BYE
6) Felipe Camacho & Robert Collins v. 11) Bradly Rogers & Art Spelts
7) David Horn & Andree Parrilla v. 10) Matthew Majxner & Richard Wagner
2) Alvaro Beltran & Daniel De La Rosa - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Weekend Round Up - Wins for Scott, Franco, Franco & Mercado and Simmons
Hollie Scott won the Women’s Open division at the Longhorn Open in Austin, Texas Sunday, as she beat Da’monique Davis, 15-2, 15-14, in the final. Scott advanced to the final by defeating Maria Renee Rodriguez, 15-5, 15-9, in one semi-final, while Davis ousted Kelly Gremley in the other, 15-6, 15-1.
Sebastian Franco won the New Jersey Open - a Tier 4 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event in Warren, New Jersey. Franco beat Mario Mercado in the final, 11-4, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9. In the semi-finals, Franco defeated Joel Barshaw, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4, and Mercado went four games with Jose Flores Jr., winning 5-11, 11-2, 16-14, 11-1.
Franco and Mercado teamed up in Men’s Doubles winning a final in a tie-breaker against Travis Aldinger and Seth Parker, 15-6, 12-15, 11-4. Also in Warren, Samantha Simmons won Women’s Open by defeating Beth Shea, 8-15, 15-2, 11-3.
This weekend’s big event will be the IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They will be playing both singles and doubles in Sioux Falls, which makes it a special event on the calendar.
2017 WRT Longhorn Open, January 13-15
Austin, Texas
Women’s Open Singles Final
Hollie Scott d. Da’monique Davis, 15-2, 15-14
Semi-finals
Da’monique Davis d. Kelly Gremley, 15-6, 15-1
Hollie Scott d. Maria Renee Rodriguez, 15-5, 15-9
2017 New Jersey Open - IRT Tier 4 - January 13-15
Warren, New Jersey
Men’s IRT Singles Final
Sebastian Franco d. Mario Mercado, 11-4, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9
Semi-finals
Sebastian Franco d. Joel Barshaw, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4
Mario Mercado d. Jose Flores Jr., 5-11, 11-2, 16-14, 11-1
Men’s IRT Doubles Final
Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado d. Travis Aldinger & Seth Parker, 15-6, 12-15, 11-4
Semi-finals
Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado d. John Behm & Jose Flores Jr., 15-9, 15-2
Travis Aldinger & Seth Parker d. Joe Kelley & Samuel Kelley, 15-10, 15-8
Women’s Open Singles Final
Samantha Simmons d. Beth Shea, 8-15, 15-2, 11-3
Semi-finals
Samantha Simmons d. J. J. Crosskey, 15-6, 15-5
Beth Shea d. Elizabeth Simmons, 15-3, 15-9
Follow the bouncing ball….
Sebastian Franco won the New Jersey Open - a Tier 4 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) event in Warren, New Jersey. Franco beat Mario Mercado in the final, 11-4, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9. In the semi-finals, Franco defeated Joel Barshaw, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4, and Mercado went four games with Jose Flores Jr., winning 5-11, 11-2, 16-14, 11-1.
Franco and Mercado teamed up in Men’s Doubles winning a final in a tie-breaker against Travis Aldinger and Seth Parker, 15-6, 12-15, 11-4. Also in Warren, Samantha Simmons won Women’s Open by defeating Beth Shea, 8-15, 15-2, 11-3.
This weekend’s big event will be the IRT Lewis Drug Pro-Am in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They will be playing both singles and doubles in Sioux Falls, which makes it a special event on the calendar.
2017 WRT Longhorn Open, January 13-15
Austin, Texas
Women’s Open Singles Final
Hollie Scott d. Da’monique Davis, 15-2, 15-14
Semi-finals
Da’monique Davis d. Kelly Gremley, 15-6, 15-1
Hollie Scott d. Maria Renee Rodriguez, 15-5, 15-9
2017 New Jersey Open - IRT Tier 4 - January 13-15
Warren, New Jersey
Men’s IRT Singles Final
Sebastian Franco d. Mario Mercado, 11-4, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9
Semi-finals
Sebastian Franco d. Joel Barshaw, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4
Mario Mercado d. Jose Flores Jr., 5-11, 11-2, 16-14, 11-1
Men’s IRT Doubles Final
Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado d. Travis Aldinger & Seth Parker, 15-6, 12-15, 11-4
Semi-finals
Sebastian Franco & Mario Mercado d. John Behm & Jose Flores Jr., 15-9, 15-2
Travis Aldinger & Seth Parker d. Joe Kelley & Samuel Kelley, 15-10, 15-8
Women’s Open Singles Final
Samantha Simmons d. Beth Shea, 8-15, 15-2, 11-3
Semi-finals
Samantha Simmons d. J. J. Crosskey, 15-6, 15-5
Beth Shea d. Elizabeth Simmons, 15-3, 15-9
Follow the bouncing ball….
Montoya wins singles, Mar & Martinez doubles at 2017 WRT Longhorn Open
Rodrigo Montoya won the first World Racquetball Tour (WRT) event of 2017, as he defeated Javier Mar in the final of the Longhorn Open in Austin, Texas Sunday. Montoya came from a game down to beat Mar in three games, 13-15, 15-8, 11-2. Montoya’s drive serve got hot in game two, and proved to be the difference in the match.
Game one was long, and Mar led from 2-1 on. But even though Mar seemed to be in control, he was never that far ahead of Montoya, leading more no more than three points at any time. When Montoya tied it at 13-13 with a drive serve ace to the right side, there was a sense that he might steal it from Mar. However, Mar got the serve back with a backhand pinch return, and then hit two winners to end the game, 15-13.
They were close early in game two also, but Mar seemed to be using more energy, and seemed to tire, as he took a timeout down 4-2. Montoya extended that lead to 6-2, but Mar came back to tie at 6-6 with a winning kiss lob serve to the left side.
Montoya hit a backhand winner on Mar’s next serve, and then regained the lead with a drive serve ace to the right side making it 7-6. Montoya ran the score to 12-7 helped by two more aces and a service winner. Shortly after Montoya closed out game two at 15-8.
In the tie-breaker, Montoya took the early lead going up 6-0. Mar called a timeout, got the serve back and scored a two points to make it 6-2. However, he didn’t score again, as Montoya continued to pressure him with strong drive serves to both sides. Montoya finished the match with a drive serve ace to the left side.
But Mar got the better of Montoya in the doubles final, as he and Edson Martinez defeated Montoya and Andree Parrilla in two straight games, 15-9, 15-7. Mar ended the match by driving forward to make a backhand kill shot winner.
The next WRT event will be the 2017 West Coast Championship in Concord, California, January 27-29.
2017 WRT Longhorn Open, January 13-15
Austin, Texas
Singles - Final
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 22) Javier Mar, 13-15, 15-8, 11-2
Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla d. 5) Patric Mascorro & Joseph Lee, 15-13, 11-15, 11-1
6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez d. 7) Chase Robison & Ethan Wadsworth, 15-6, 15-5
Doubles - Final
6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez d. 1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla, 15-9, 15-7
Follow the bouncing ball….
Game one was long, and Mar led from 2-1 on. But even though Mar seemed to be in control, he was never that far ahead of Montoya, leading more no more than three points at any time. When Montoya tied it at 13-13 with a drive serve ace to the right side, there was a sense that he might steal it from Mar. However, Mar got the serve back with a backhand pinch return, and then hit two winners to end the game, 15-13.
They were close early in game two also, but Mar seemed to be using more energy, and seemed to tire, as he took a timeout down 4-2. Montoya extended that lead to 6-2, but Mar came back to tie at 6-6 with a winning kiss lob serve to the left side.
Montoya hit a backhand winner on Mar’s next serve, and then regained the lead with a drive serve ace to the right side making it 7-6. Montoya ran the score to 12-7 helped by two more aces and a service winner. Shortly after Montoya closed out game two at 15-8.
In the tie-breaker, Montoya took the early lead going up 6-0. Mar called a timeout, got the serve back and scored a two points to make it 6-2. However, he didn’t score again, as Montoya continued to pressure him with strong drive serves to both sides. Montoya finished the match with a drive serve ace to the left side.
But Mar got the better of Montoya in the doubles final, as he and Edson Martinez defeated Montoya and Andree Parrilla in two straight games, 15-9, 15-7. Mar ended the match by driving forward to make a backhand kill shot winner.
The next WRT event will be the 2017 West Coast Championship in Concord, California, January 27-29.
2017 WRT Longhorn Open, January 13-15
Austin, Texas
Singles - Final
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 22) Javier Mar, 13-15, 15-8, 11-2
Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla d. 5) Patric Mascorro & Joseph Lee, 15-13, 11-15, 11-1
6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez d. 7) Chase Robison & Ethan Wadsworth, 15-6, 15-5
Doubles - Final
6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez d. 1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla, 15-9, 15-7
Follow the bouncing ball….
Mar & Montoya win semi-finals at WRT 2017 Longhorn Open
The first World Racquetball Tour (WRT) final of 2017 will not feature either the WRT #1 or #2 player, as both were defeated in the semi-finals of the Longhorn Open in Austin, Texas. Rodrigo Montoya beat WRT #1 Alejandro Cardona, 15-8, 15-12, and Javier Mar ousted David Horn, 15-13, 15-6, so Sunday’s final will be between the two young Mexicans: Montoya and Mar.
They could meet in the doubles final as well, as both are in the semi-finals of doubles, which will be played Sunday morning. Montoya and Andree Parrilla are the top seeds in doubles, and narrowly defeated George Bustos and Ross Smith Jr., 15-13, 15-14, in the quarterfinals, while Mar and Edson Martinez beat 3rd seeds Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 11-15, 15-4, 11-5.
The singles final will be shown live via the WRT website Sunday at 12:15 PM with the doubles final at 1:30 PM.
2017 WRT Longhorn Open, January 13-15
Austin, Texas
Singles - Semi-finals
Singles - Semi-finals
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 1) Alejandro Cardona, 15-8, 15-12
22) Javier Mar d. 2) David Horn, 15-13, 15-6
Singles - Final
5) Rodrigo Montoya v. 22) Javier Mar - 12:15 PM
Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla d. 9) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr., 15-13, 15-14
5) Patric Mascorro & Joseph Lee d. 4) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri, 15-13, 15-0
6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez d. 3) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 11-15, 15-4, 11-5
7) Chase Robison & Ethan Wadsworth d. 2) Justus Benson & Jaime Martell, 15-9, 15-10
Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 5) Patric Mascorro & Joseph Lee
6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez v. 7) Chase Robison & Ethan Wadsworth
Follow the bouncing ball….
They could meet in the doubles final as well, as both are in the semi-finals of doubles, which will be played Sunday morning. Montoya and Andree Parrilla are the top seeds in doubles, and narrowly defeated George Bustos and Ross Smith Jr., 15-13, 15-14, in the quarterfinals, while Mar and Edson Martinez beat 3rd seeds Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 11-15, 15-4, 11-5.
The singles final will be shown live via the WRT website Sunday at 12:15 PM with the doubles final at 1:30 PM.
2017 WRT Longhorn Open, January 13-15
Austin, Texas
Singles - Semi-finals
Singles - Semi-finals
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 1) Alejandro Cardona, 15-8, 15-12
22) Javier Mar d. 2) David Horn, 15-13, 15-6
Singles - Final
5) Rodrigo Montoya v. 22) Javier Mar - 12:15 PM
Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla d. 9) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr., 15-13, 15-14
5) Patric Mascorro & Joseph Lee d. 4) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri, 15-13, 15-0
6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez d. 3) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 11-15, 15-4, 11-5
7) Chase Robison & Ethan Wadsworth d. 2) Justus Benson & Jaime Martell, 15-9, 15-10
Doubles - Semi-finals
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 5) Patric Mascorro & Joseph Lee
6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez v. 7) Chase Robison & Ethan Wadsworth
Follow the bouncing ball….
Saturday, January 14, 2017
WRT 2017 Longhorn Open - Quarterfinals
The upsets continue at the World Racquetball Tour (WRT) 2017 Longhorn Open in Austin, Texas, but not for the top two seeds, as WRT #1 Alejandro Cardona and #2 David Horn made it through to the semi-finals Saturday. Cardona won in two straight games, as he beat Gerardo Franco, 15-3, 15-3, but Horn needed a tie-breaker to fend off Edson Martinez, 11-15, 15-4, 11-5.
The quarterfinal upsets came via 22nd seed Javier Mar, who took out 3rd seed Andree Parrilla, 15-11, 11-15, 11-5, to advance to the semis Saturday night. Mar will face 5th seed Rodrigo Montoya, who won the 4/5 match against 4th seed Jaime Martell, 15-14, 15-5.
The semi-finals will be shown live via the WRT Saturday night 7:40 PM and 8:30 PM with the final Sunday at 12:15 PM.
2017 WRT Longhorn Open, January 13-15
Austin, Texas
Singles - Quarterfinals
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 8) Gerardo Franco, 15-3, 15-3
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 4) Jaime Martell, 15-14, 15-5
22) Javier Mar d. 3) Andree Parrilla, 15-11, 11-15, 11-5
2) David Horn d. 23) Edson Martinez, 11-15, 15-4, 11-5
Singles - Semi-finals
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 5) Rodrigo Montoya - 7:40 PM
2) David Horn v. 22) Javier Mar - 8:30 PM
Doubles - Round of 16
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla - BYE
9) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr. d. 8) Richard Eisemann & Rafael Filippini, 15-10, 15-13
5) Patric Mascorro & Joseph Lee d. 12) Taylor Brown & Brent Hollinger, 15-5, 15-11
4) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri d. 13) Mike Cantu & Erik Mendoza, 15-5, 15-6
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. d. 14) A. J. Fernandez & Sam Hojat, 15-9, 11-15, 11-8
6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez d. 11) Arturo Burruel & Oscar Rico, 15-8, 15-13
7) Chase Robison & Ethan Wadsworth d. 10) Mark Jackson & Jack Long, 15-1, 15-14
2) Justus Benson & Jaime Martell - BYE
Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 9) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr.
4) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri v. 5) Patric Mascorro & Joseph Lee
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. 6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez
2) Justus Benson & Jaime Martell v. 7) Chase Robison & Ethan Wadsworth
Follow the bouncing ball….
The quarterfinal upsets came via 22nd seed Javier Mar, who took out 3rd seed Andree Parrilla, 15-11, 11-15, 11-5, to advance to the semis Saturday night. Mar will face 5th seed Rodrigo Montoya, who won the 4/5 match against 4th seed Jaime Martell, 15-14, 15-5.
The semi-finals will be shown live via the WRT Saturday night 7:40 PM and 8:30 PM with the final Sunday at 12:15 PM.
2017 WRT Longhorn Open, January 13-15
Austin, Texas
Singles - Quarterfinals
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 8) Gerardo Franco, 15-3, 15-3
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 4) Jaime Martell, 15-14, 15-5
22) Javier Mar d. 3) Andree Parrilla, 15-11, 11-15, 11-5
2) David Horn d. 23) Edson Martinez, 11-15, 15-4, 11-5
Singles - Semi-finals
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 5) Rodrigo Montoya - 7:40 PM
2) David Horn v. 22) Javier Mar - 8:30 PM
Doubles - Round of 16
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla - BYE
9) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr. d. 8) Richard Eisemann & Rafael Filippini, 15-10, 15-13
5) Patric Mascorro & Joseph Lee d. 12) Taylor Brown & Brent Hollinger, 15-5, 15-11
4) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri d. 13) Mike Cantu & Erik Mendoza, 15-5, 15-6
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. d. 14) A. J. Fernandez & Sam Hojat, 15-9, 11-15, 11-8
6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez d. 11) Arturo Burruel & Oscar Rico, 15-8, 15-13
7) Chase Robison & Ethan Wadsworth d. 10) Mark Jackson & Jack Long, 15-1, 15-14
2) Justus Benson & Jaime Martell - BYE
Doubles - Quarterfinals
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla v. 9) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr.
4) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri v. 5) Patric Mascorro & Joseph Lee
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. 6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez
2) Justus Benson & Jaime Martell v. 7) Chase Robison & Ethan Wadsworth
Follow the bouncing ball….
WRT kicks off 2017 season at Longhorn Open
The World Racquetball Tour (WRT) began its 2017 season with the Longhorn Open in Austin, Texas on Friday. There were no upsets for the top 5 seeds, including WRT #1 Alejandro Cardona, who reached the quarterfinals by defeating Alan Natera, 15-11, 15-2, in the Round of 16. Second seed David Horn was almost forced to a tie-breaker by Brent Walters, but won in two games, 15-7, 15-14.
There were two upsets Friday. Javier Mar, seeded 22nd, defeated 6th seed Christian Longoria, 15-10, 6-15, 11-10, in one, and 23rd seed Edson Martinez beat 7th seed Francisco Troncoso, 15-2, 15-2.
Those wins will put Mar against 3rd seed Andree Parrilla in the quarterfinals, as Parrilla beat Chase Robison, 15-14, 15-8, and Martinez will face Horn in the quarters.
The quarterfinals will be shown live via the WRT website from 1:20 PM Saturday afternoon with the semi-finals Saturday night 7:40 PM and 8:30 PM with the final Sunday at 12:15 PM.
2017 WRT Longhorn Open, January 13-15
Austin, Texas
Singles - Quarterfinals
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 8) Gerardo Franco
4) Jaime Martell v. 5) Rodrigo Montoya
3) Andree Parrilla v. 22) Javier Mar
2) David Horn v. 23) Edson Martinez
Singles - Round of 16
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 17) Alan Natera, 15-11, 15-2
8) Gerardo Franco d. 9) Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 15-14, 15-1
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 12) Alejandro Almada, 15-6, 15-8
4) Jaime Martell d. 20) Patric Mascorro, 15-14, 8-15, 11-9
3) Andree Parrilla d. 19) Chase Robison, 15-14, 15-8
22) Javier Mar d. 6) Christian Longoria, 15-10, 6-15, 11-10
23) Edson Martinez d. 7) Francisco Troncoso, 15-2, 15-2
2) David Horn d. 18) Brent Walters, 15-7, 15-14
Singles - Round of 32
1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
17) Alan Natera d. 16) Erik Mendoza, 15-9, 15-5
9) Miguel Rodriguez Jr. d. 24) Shai Manzuri, 15-7, 15-9
8) Gerardo Franco d. 25) Joseph Lee, 15-12, 15-3
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 28) Alberto Garza, 15-3, 15-2
12) Alejandro Almada d. 21) Kenny Green Jr., 11-15, 15-5, 11-4
20) Patric Mascorro d. 13) Ross Smith Jr., 11-15, 15-5, 11-4
4) Jaime Martell - BYE
3) Andree Parrilla - BYE
19) Chase Robison d. 14) Eddie Sada, 15-9, 15-13
22) Javier Mar d. 11) Justus Benson, 15-8, 15-7
6) Christian Longoria d. 27) George Bustos, 15-4, 15-9
7) Francisco Troncoso d. 26) Fernando Kurzbard, 15-10, 15-14
23) Edson Martinez d. 10) Sebastian Fernandez, 15-8, 15-6
18) Brent Walters d. 15) Arturo Burruel, 15-5, 15-10
2) David Horn - BYE
Doubles - Round of 16
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla - BYE
8) Richard Eisemann & Rafael Filippini v. 9) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr. - Saturday
5) Patric Mascorro & Joseph Lee d. 12) Taylor Brown & Brent Hollinger, 15-5, 15-11
4) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri d. 13) Mike Cantu & Erik Mendoza, 15-5, 15-6
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. 14) A. J. Fernandez & Sam Hojat - Saturday
6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez d. 11) Arturo Burruel & Oscar Rico, 15-8, 15-13
7) Chase Robison & Ethan Wadsworth v. 10) Mark Jackson & Jack Long - Saturday
2) Justus Benson & Jaime Martell - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
There were two upsets Friday. Javier Mar, seeded 22nd, defeated 6th seed Christian Longoria, 15-10, 6-15, 11-10, in one, and 23rd seed Edson Martinez beat 7th seed Francisco Troncoso, 15-2, 15-2.
Those wins will put Mar against 3rd seed Andree Parrilla in the quarterfinals, as Parrilla beat Chase Robison, 15-14, 15-8, and Martinez will face Horn in the quarters.
The quarterfinals will be shown live via the WRT website from 1:20 PM Saturday afternoon with the semi-finals Saturday night 7:40 PM and 8:30 PM with the final Sunday at 12:15 PM.
2017 WRT Longhorn Open, January 13-15
Austin, Texas
Singles - Quarterfinals
1) Alejandro Cardona v. 8) Gerardo Franco
4) Jaime Martell v. 5) Rodrigo Montoya
3) Andree Parrilla v. 22) Javier Mar
2) David Horn v. 23) Edson Martinez
Singles - Round of 16
1) Alejandro Cardona d. 17) Alan Natera, 15-11, 15-2
8) Gerardo Franco d. 9) Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 15-14, 15-1
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 12) Alejandro Almada, 15-6, 15-8
4) Jaime Martell d. 20) Patric Mascorro, 15-14, 8-15, 11-9
3) Andree Parrilla d. 19) Chase Robison, 15-14, 15-8
22) Javier Mar d. 6) Christian Longoria, 15-10, 6-15, 11-10
23) Edson Martinez d. 7) Francisco Troncoso, 15-2, 15-2
2) David Horn d. 18) Brent Walters, 15-7, 15-14
Singles - Round of 32
1) Alejandro Cardona - BYE
17) Alan Natera d. 16) Erik Mendoza, 15-9, 15-5
9) Miguel Rodriguez Jr. d. 24) Shai Manzuri, 15-7, 15-9
8) Gerardo Franco d. 25) Joseph Lee, 15-12, 15-3
5) Rodrigo Montoya d. 28) Alberto Garza, 15-3, 15-2
12) Alejandro Almada d. 21) Kenny Green Jr., 11-15, 15-5, 11-4
20) Patric Mascorro d. 13) Ross Smith Jr., 11-15, 15-5, 11-4
4) Jaime Martell - BYE
3) Andree Parrilla - BYE
19) Chase Robison d. 14) Eddie Sada, 15-9, 15-13
22) Javier Mar d. 11) Justus Benson, 15-8, 15-7
6) Christian Longoria d. 27) George Bustos, 15-4, 15-9
7) Francisco Troncoso d. 26) Fernando Kurzbard, 15-10, 15-14
23) Edson Martinez d. 10) Sebastian Fernandez, 15-8, 15-6
18) Brent Walters d. 15) Arturo Burruel, 15-5, 15-10
2) David Horn - BYE
Doubles - Round of 16
1) Rodrigo Montoya & Andree Parrilla - BYE
8) Richard Eisemann & Rafael Filippini v. 9) George Bustos & Ross Smith Jr. - Saturday
5) Patric Mascorro & Joseph Lee d. 12) Taylor Brown & Brent Hollinger, 15-5, 15-11
4) Fernando Kurzbard & Shai Manzuri d. 13) Mike Cantu & Erik Mendoza, 15-5, 15-6
3) Sebastian Fernandez & Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. 14) A. J. Fernandez & Sam Hojat - Saturday
6) Javier Mar & Edson Martinez d. 11) Arturo Burruel & Oscar Rico, 15-8, 15-13
7) Chase Robison & Ethan Wadsworth v. 10) Mark Jackson & Jack Long - Saturday
2) Justus Benson & Jaime Martell - BYE
Follow the bouncing ball….
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Waselenchuk wins 2017 Coast to Coast California Open
Kane Waselenchuk, the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour (IRT), once again got the better of Rocky Carson, IRT #2, as Waselenchuk won the 2017 Coast to Coast California Open in Reseda, California, 11-7, 11-3, 11-9.
The IRT will next be in action in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where the Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22.
2017 IRT Coast to Coast California Open, January 5-8
Reseda, California
Final - Saturday
1) Kane Waselenchuk v. 2) Rocky Carson, 11-7, 11-3, 11-9
Follow the bouncing ball….
The IRT will next be in action in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where the Lewis Drug Pro-Am, January 19-22.
2017 IRT Coast to Coast California Open, January 5-8
Reseda, California
Final - Saturday
1) Kane Waselenchuk v. 2) Rocky Carson, 11-7, 11-3, 11-9
Follow the bouncing ball….
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Waselenchuk versus Carson in 2017 California Open final
The top two International Racquetball Tour (IRT) players will face off in the first final of 2017, when Kane Waselenchuk meets Rocky Carson in the final of the 2017 Coast to Coast California Open in Reseda, California Saturday night. Waselenchuk, IRT #1, beat 5th seed Jose Rojas in the semi-finals, 11-6, 11-0, 11-4, and Carson, IRT #2, defeated Daniel De La Rosa, 11-5, 11-7, 11-5.
The IRT Network will have the final live Saturday night at 7:00 PM Pacific time.
2017 IRT Coast to Coast California Open, January 5-8
Reseda, California
Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Kane Waselenchuk d. 5) Jose Rojas, 11-6, 11-0, 11-4
2) Rocky Carson d. 3) Daniel De La Rosa, 11-5, 11-7, 11-5
Final - Saturday
1) Kane Waselenchuk v. 2) Rocky Carson - 7 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
The IRT Network will have the final live Saturday night at 7:00 PM Pacific time.
2017 IRT Coast to Coast California Open, January 5-8
Reseda, California
Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Kane Waselenchuk d. 5) Jose Rojas, 11-6, 11-0, 11-4
2) Rocky Carson d. 3) Daniel De La Rosa, 11-5, 11-7, 11-5
Final - Saturday
1) Kane Waselenchuk v. 2) Rocky Carson - 7 PM
Follow the bouncing ball….
2017 Coast to Coast California Open - Friday's results
Kane Waselenchuk, the International Racquetball Tour’s (IRT’s) #1 player, got 2017 off to a good start Friday, as he won his way into the semi-finals of the 2017 Coast to Coast California Open in Reseda, California. Waselenchuk defeated Francisco Troncoso, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2, in the Round of 16, and then ousted 8th seed Mario Mercado, 11-5, 11-3, 11-7, in the quarterfinals.
Waselenchuk will face 5th seed Jose Rojas in the semi-finals Saturday, as Rojas was an upset winner over veteran Alvaro Beltran, the 4th seed, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8.
On the other side of the draw, IRT #2 Rocky Carson plays #3 Daniel De La Rosa in the other semi-final. In their respective quarterfinals, Carson defeated Charlie Pratt, 11-8, 11-5, 9-11, 11-3, and De La Rosa beat Jansen Allen in three close games, 12-10, 11-9, 11-8.
The IRT Network will have the semi-finals live from 11 AM and Noon Saturday with the final Saturday night at 7:00 PM. All times Pacific.
2017 IRT Coast to Coast California Open, January 5-8
Reseda, California
Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Kane Waselenchuk v. 5) Jose Rojas - 11 AM
2) Rocky Carson v. 3) Daniel De La Rosa - Noon
Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Kane Waselenchuk d. 8) Mario Mercado, 11-5, 11-3, 11-7
5) Jose Rojas d. 4) Alvaro Beltran, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8
3) Daniel De La Rosa d. 6) Jansen Allen, 12-10, 11-9, 11-8
2) Rocky Carson d. Charlie Pratt, 11-8, 11-5, 9-11, 11-3
Round of 16 - Friday
1) Kane Waselenchuk d. Francisco Troncoso, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2
8) Mario Mercado d. Robert Collins, 11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 11-4
5) Jose Rojas d. David Horn, 11-4, 11-9, 12-14, 11-5
4) Alvaro Beltran d. Jose Diaz, 11-5, 11-7, 11-8
3) Daniel De La Rosa v. Majeed Shahin, 11-3, 11-2, 11-1
6) Jansen Allen v. Sebastian Fernandez, 11-2, 11-13, 11-8, 11-8
7) Charlie Pratt d. Sebastian Franco, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8
2) Rocky Carson v. Mauro Rojas, 11-3, 11-2, 11-1
Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday
Q8) Francisco Troncoso d. Dane Elkins, 12-10, 11-4, 10-12, 11-1
Q1) Robert Collins d. Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 9-11, 13-15, 13-11, 11-3, 11-4
Q4) David Horn d. Brett Elkins, 11-4, 11-6, 11-0
Q5) Jose Diaz d. Luis Felipe Munoz, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-3
Q6) Majeed Shahin d. Luis Avila, 10-12, 11-9, 12-10, 7-11, 11-6
Q3) Sebastian Fernandez d. Scott McClellan, 7-11, 13-11, 11-3, 11-4
Q2) Charlie Pratt d. Rodrigo Rodriguez, 11-9, 11-9, 11-5
Q7) Mauro Rojas d. John Wolfe, 11-5, 11-0, 11-3
Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday
Miguel Rodriguez Jr. d. Israel Torres, 11-6, 11-1, 11-1
Follow the bouncing ball….
Waselenchuk will face 5th seed Jose Rojas in the semi-finals Saturday, as Rojas was an upset winner over veteran Alvaro Beltran, the 4th seed, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8.
On the other side of the draw, IRT #2 Rocky Carson plays #3 Daniel De La Rosa in the other semi-final. In their respective quarterfinals, Carson defeated Charlie Pratt, 11-8, 11-5, 9-11, 11-3, and De La Rosa beat Jansen Allen in three close games, 12-10, 11-9, 11-8.
The IRT Network will have the semi-finals live from 11 AM and Noon Saturday with the final Saturday night at 7:00 PM. All times Pacific.
2017 IRT Coast to Coast California Open, January 5-8
Reseda, California
Semi-finals - Saturday
1) Kane Waselenchuk v. 5) Jose Rojas - 11 AM
2) Rocky Carson v. 3) Daniel De La Rosa - Noon
Quarterfinals - Friday
1) Kane Waselenchuk d. 8) Mario Mercado, 11-5, 11-3, 11-7
5) Jose Rojas d. 4) Alvaro Beltran, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8
3) Daniel De La Rosa d. 6) Jansen Allen, 12-10, 11-9, 11-8
2) Rocky Carson d. Charlie Pratt, 11-8, 11-5, 9-11, 11-3
Round of 16 - Friday
1) Kane Waselenchuk d. Francisco Troncoso, 11-3, 11-3, 11-2
8) Mario Mercado d. Robert Collins, 11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 11-4
5) Jose Rojas d. David Horn, 11-4, 11-9, 12-14, 11-5
4) Alvaro Beltran d. Jose Diaz, 11-5, 11-7, 11-8
3) Daniel De La Rosa v. Majeed Shahin, 11-3, 11-2, 11-1
6) Jansen Allen v. Sebastian Fernandez, 11-2, 11-13, 11-8, 11-8
7) Charlie Pratt d. Sebastian Franco, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8
2) Rocky Carson v. Mauro Rojas, 11-3, 11-2, 11-1
Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday
Q8) Francisco Troncoso d. Dane Elkins, 12-10, 11-4, 10-12, 11-1
Q1) Robert Collins d. Miguel Rodriguez Jr., 9-11, 13-15, 13-11, 11-3, 11-4
Q4) David Horn d. Brett Elkins, 11-4, 11-6, 11-0
Q5) Jose Diaz d. Luis Felipe Munoz, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-3
Q6) Majeed Shahin d. Luis Avila, 10-12, 11-9, 12-10, 7-11, 11-6
Q3) Sebastian Fernandez d. Scott McClellan, 7-11, 13-11, 11-3, 11-4
Q2) Charlie Pratt d. Rodrigo Rodriguez, 11-9, 11-9, 11-5
Q7) Mauro Rojas d. John Wolfe, 11-5, 11-0, 11-3
Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday
Miguel Rodriguez Jr. d. Israel Torres, 11-6, 11-1, 11-1
Follow the bouncing ball….
Thursday, January 5, 2017
2017 IRT Coast to Coast California Open - Preview
International Racquetball Tour (IRT) gets right back to business in 2017 with the Coast to Coast California Open in Reseda, California, where IRT #1 Kane Waselenchuk will be looking to start the year off right. Joining Waselenchuk in California will be Rocky Carson, IRT #2, Daniel De La Rosa, #3, and Alvaro Beltran, #4.
There are 25 players in the draw with Jose Diaz, Charlie Pratt, and David Horn highlighting the qualifying draw on Thursday. Although Diaz is arguably the best player in qualifying, he has to play Luis Felipe Munoz, who is no slouch, but it would be a definite upset if Munoz came out on top.
The IRT Round of 16 will be streamed live Friday from 11 AM via the IRT Network with the quarterfinals Friday afternoon from 4 PM on. Also, the semi-finals will be 11 AM and Noon Saturday with the final Saturday night at 7:00 PM. All times Pacific.
2017 IRT Coast to Coast California Open, January 5-8
Reseda, California
Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday
Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. Israel Torres
Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday
Q8) Francisco Troncoso v. Dane Elkins
Q1) Robert Collins v. Miguel Rodriguez Jr. or Israel Torres
Q4) David Horn v. Brett Elkins
Q5) Jose Diaz v. Luis Felipe Munoz
Q6) Majeed Shahin v. Luis Avila
Q3) Scott McClellan v. Sebastian Fernandez
Q2) Charlie Pratt v. Rodrigo Rodriguez
Q7) John Wolfe v. Mauro Rojas
Round of 16 - Friday
1) Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
8) Mario Mercado v. Q1
5) Jose Rojas v. Q4
4) Alvaro Beltran v. Q5
3) Daniel De La Rosa v. Q6
6) Jansen Allen v. Q3
7) Sebastian Franco v. Q2
2) Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball….
There are 25 players in the draw with Jose Diaz, Charlie Pratt, and David Horn highlighting the qualifying draw on Thursday. Although Diaz is arguably the best player in qualifying, he has to play Luis Felipe Munoz, who is no slouch, but it would be a definite upset if Munoz came out on top.
The IRT Round of 16 will be streamed live Friday from 11 AM via the IRT Network with the quarterfinals Friday afternoon from 4 PM on. Also, the semi-finals will be 11 AM and Noon Saturday with the final Saturday night at 7:00 PM. All times Pacific.
2017 IRT Coast to Coast California Open, January 5-8
Reseda, California
Qualifying Round 1 - Thursday
Miguel Rodriguez Jr. v. Israel Torres
Qualifying Round 2 - Thursday
Q8) Francisco Troncoso v. Dane Elkins
Q1) Robert Collins v. Miguel Rodriguez Jr. or Israel Torres
Q4) David Horn v. Brett Elkins
Q5) Jose Diaz v. Luis Felipe Munoz
Q6) Majeed Shahin v. Luis Avila
Q3) Scott McClellan v. Sebastian Fernandez
Q2) Charlie Pratt v. Rodrigo Rodriguez
Q7) John Wolfe v. Mauro Rojas
Round of 16 - Friday
1) Kane Waselenchuk v. Q8
8) Mario Mercado v. Q1
5) Jose Rojas v. Q4
4) Alvaro Beltran v. Q5
3) Daniel De La Rosa v. Q6
6) Jansen Allen v. Q3
7) Sebastian Franco v. Q2
2) Rocky Carson v. Q7
Follow the bouncing ball….
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